Event cinema organiser will donate takings from its Dead Poets Society screenings to mental health charities.
Screenings of Robin Williams’ film Dead Poets Society, organised by Secret Cinema after his sudden death on Aug 11, has raised more than £24,000 ($40,000) for mental health charities Mind in the UK and NAMI in the US.
The charity screenings were held across the UK, Prague and New York on Aug 15/16 with all profits going to Mind and NAMI.
Live poetry was recited including a reading by Harry Potter actress Bonnie Wright, live music, performance, special guests and supportive tweets from Stephen Fry, Ross Noble and Penguin Books.
Donations are still being received via Text CINEMA to 70660 to donate £3 to @MindCharity #SeizeTheDay. People can also donate online here until November 2014.
Amanda Palmer, formerly of The Dresden Dolls in New York, said: “Watching an entire audience weep in unison as those kids stood on their desks in solidarity for their teacher who taught them to embrace the freedom in art was one of the most life-affirming moments I’ve ever had.
“I think as artists if we want to leave any legacy behind, it’s that: that what we created continues to connect us all to one another. We are glad that Secret Cinema is in the same spirit.”
Fabien Riggall, founder and director of Secret Cinema said: “I see culture as therapy and a tonic. Robin Williams inspired so much in so many of us, I believe cinema should give back to those leading lights who give so much.
“All profits from the screenings have gone to Mind and NAMI, vital and brilliant charities supporting those suffering from mental health problems, and we encourage others to donate what they can as well.”
Screenings were held at seven UK cinemas including The Troxy in London, Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse and The Strand in Belfast; Grid in Prague; and Manhattan’s South Street Seaport, Brooklyn’s Videology and the Basilica Hudson in upstate New York, of which the latter included an introduction from Amanda Palmer and writer Neil Gaiman.
Photo credit: Taya James - TJ & Beau Photography
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