1984 Screenings Go International To Protest Trump Worldwide

Today is the national screening day for the film adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian classic 1984. The screenings are meant to be a gentle protest of Donald Trump’s administration, as well as an homage to Orwell. Now, theaters around the world have joined in, turning the national screening day into an international day. Believe it or not, we’re not the only country that hates Trump.

Organizers of the event chose April 4 as the screening day because that is the day Orwell’s story begins. Specifically, it’s the day protagonist Winston Smith begins his resistance against his oppressive government by keeping a forbidden diary. In a statement on their website, the organizers also encouraged independent theaters to get more involved with their communities’ resistance efforts:

By doing what they do best—showing a movie—the goal is that cinemas can initiate a much-needed community conversation at a time when the existence of facts, and basic human rights are under attack. Through nationwide participation and strength in numbers, these screenings are intended to galvanize people at the crossroads of cinema and community, and bring us together to foster communication and resistance against current efforts to undermine the most basic tenets of our society.

Now, theaters in the U.K., Canada, Croatia and Sweden have joined in, bringing the total number of theaters showing 1984 to almost 200. Theaters that charge admission will be donating a portion of the proceeds to local charities and organizations, or for the purposes of future community or educational programs. You can find out more about the screenings, as well as the long list of participating venues, here.

Here at Paste, it seems we’ve had 1984 on the brain lately, as have many book buyers. Check out our list “10 of the Best George Orwell Quotes,” enjoy our list of 10 songs inspired by the book and read up on 1984’s forthcoming Broadway debut.