Last week, we told you about the opening of the film Dirty Laundry here in New York. If you didn’t know already, the film explores LGBT issues in the black community. The film did marvelously at the Clearview Chelsea Theater, selling out three shows over the weekend. Unfortunately, the theater chose to pull the plug on the film early citing “okay” weekend numbers and expressing concern that the movie’s producers bought up tickets in order to have a big opening.
Keith Boykin gives the rundown of what happened in his blog. Click here to check that out. Also check out this blog if you are interested contributing to a letter writing campaign to the theater’s management.
Thanks for the link, Narmer.
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Mr. Movie Producer
January 8, 2008
I saw the movie at Clearview Cinemas and it was a laugh a minute.. Loretta Devine clearly deserves an Oscar nomination for her performance and Jenifer Lewis as usual was a gutbusting riot. I am grateful that Clearview showed the film. Often we react without allow the situation to play itself all the way out…the fact that it came and went so quickly can be an asset…this may cause a surge in sells when it comes to dVd. Also, hopefully this will prompt african americans be less laid back and lazy about supporting the artistic projects of other african americans. Thanks for reading guys.
Anonymous
December 13, 2007
i want to see it at Magic’s theatre! we shouldn’t have to beg/bully someone to show a film that relates to us, and our community. we should make a habit of showing our film among us first.
anon
December 12, 2007
At least Clearview Chelsea gave it a shot. I’m sure Magic Johnson wouldn’t go near it for 125th St.
Anon
December 12, 2007
Read Boykin site & the comments. Problem is they’re biased and spinning. It’s not that complex of an issue, if money is being made, they’re going to keep the film there, plain and simple. Boykin has not audited the theater, knows nothing of the theater’s options and other business relations, is unable to quantify the sphere of choices that motived the theater to make its choice.
The theater has no agenda against the movie, they placed it there in the first place, remember. They did not have to do that. The theater is making a business decision influenced by info Boykin does not have, his view is limited and incomplete.
Seems dumb for him to attack the theater or tell the theater about the number$. Why? It will motivate that theater to stay away from the next Les or Gay Black film to come down the pike. Not worth the hassle.
Now Boykin and crew are basically creating a headache and hassle factor that comes with showing a Gay Black Film.
Why is it not possible the Theater knows its business. Maybe they’re making a good business decision, maybe not, but it was their decision to bring in the film in the first place, let them remove it when they choose.
Boykin has no business telling the theater how to run their business. He’s a great man, but in this case only generating an “annoying” factor that comes with bringing in a Black Gay Film.