While its physical doors are temporarily closed, the Strand Theatre continues to offer a weekly schedule of new release films that viewers can watch through online streaming platforms. By purchasing a “virtual ticket,” movie fans can still see the films that would have shown at the theater. Ticket proceeds are split between the Strand and the movie distribution company, so a viewer’s purchase is a simple and direct way to provide much-needed support for the theater.

August 14 - 20: Martin Margiela: In His Own Words (2019) 

One of the most revolutionary and influential fashion designers of his time, Martin Margiela has remained an elusive figure the entirety of his decades-long career. From Jean Paul Gaultier's assistant to creative director at HermeÌs to leading his own House, Margiela never showed his face publicly and avoided interviews, but reinvented fashion with his radical style through forty-one provocative collections. Now, for the first time, the "Banksy of fashion" reveals his drawings, notes, and personal items in this exclusive, intimate profile of his vision.

The film features interviews with, among others, Margiela himself, Jean Paul Gaultier, Carine Roitfeld, trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort, fashion critic Cathy Horyn, and fashion historian Olivier Saillard. The score has been composed by the Belgian rock band dEUS. Directed by Reiner Holtzemer.

Starring  Martin Margiela, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Carine Roitfeld. The film is not rated. Running time is 1 hour, 30 min.

August 21 - 27: The August Virgin (2019)

Eva (played by the film's co-writer, the luminescent Itsaso Arana) is about to turn 33. Her decision to stay in Madrid in the sweltering month of August, when most of the city's inhabitants flee, is something of a leap of faith – she's in search of herself and her own life.

The neighborhoods around her are bursting with traditional Saint's Days parties and celebrations, while she encounters a series of old friends and lovers, and meets some new ones. A former boyfriend who still pines for her, a young mother who Eva's lost touch with, a sexy Welsh guy with a thing for anti-fascist songs, a Reiki therapist who wants to align her female energies, and a new possible love interest, are just a few of the characters that fill her month of revelations, regrets and discoveries. 

The August Virgin is the journey of one woman, a dreamy, sensual summer story of delayed coming of age, dancing in the streets, and good conversation.

With music from and an appearance by well-known Spanish singer Soleá Morente. Directed by Jonás Trueba. Starring  Itsaso Arana, Vito Sanz, Isabelle Stoffel. Unrated but contains sexual situations and nudity. In Spanish with English subtitles. Running time is 2 hours, 5 min.

Virtual tickets cost $12, and will be available on the Strand Theatre website during the film’s screening dates. Once viewers have purchased a ticket, they will have several days in which to watch the film.

For more information, visit www.RocklandStrand.com, email: info@rocklandstrand.com, or call (207) 594-0070. Strand Theatre, 345 Main Street, Rockland, ME 04841