Angelika Film Center and Sony Pictures Classics want you to get back to the movies…with a friend.
In an effort to increase foot traffic at art house cinemas, Angelika and SPC have teamed up to launch “Bring a Friend Back to the Movies”. The initiative is scheduled for release of “The Duke,” a comedy-drama starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren, on April 22.
‘Bring a Friend Back to the Movies’ will offer a free ticket to customers who purchase a ticket directly from Angelika’s website, app or in theaters to see ‘The Duke’ within the first week of its release . Select Angelika locations will also offer each “The Duke” ticket holder a special priced bubbly fraction to share with their friend to celebrate their return to the movies. The film, which premiered at the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals, will land in theaters in New York and Los Angeles on April 22 before expanding to other cities over the following weeks.
“We are thrilled the Angelika has partnered with us for ‘The Duke’ to ‘Bring a Friend Back to the Movies,'” said Sony Pictures Classics Co-Chairman Tom Bernard. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on cinemas and the cinematic experience, but with the ability to vaccinate and stimulate people, as well as increased health and safety protocols at cinemas like the Angelika , going to the cinema is as safe or safer than going to a crowded bar or restaurant. We know people are finally ready to sit down, and Roger Michell’s “The Duke,” starring Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent, is the perfect film to remind viewers and their friends of their penchant for the movie-watching experience.
Angelika Film Center also announced the Angelika Membership Program, which will launch on Friday, April 29. Membership will be free and will include exclusive rewards and perks for moviegoers. According to the press release, the rewards and benefits will include: “earning points on movie tickets, food and beverages; free surprise screenings every month; free popcorn for you and a guest on your birthday; select free streaming on Angelika’s curated platform, Angelika Anywhere; half-price tickets every Tuesday; and member discounts on online food and beverage orders and merchandise.
Ellen Cotter, President and CEO of Angelika, said, “We are honored to partner with Sony Pictures Classics for ‘Bring a Friend to the Movies.’ Being able to bring a friend for free to the Angelika to see “The Duke”, a heartwarming and hilarious gem, is the perfect way to celebrate the magical experience of watching movies in a theater with an audience.
Cotter continued, “And, with the launch a week later of our new free Angelika membership program, enjoying the magic of movies at the Angelika has never been more rewarding for our guests.”
Roger Michell (“Notting Hill,” “My Cousin Rachel”) directed “The Duke,” his last feature film before his death last year. The film tells the true story of 60-year-old taxi driver Kempton Bunton (Broadbent) who stole Spanish artist Francisco Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London; the only painting ever diverted from the National Gallery in its 196-year history.
