Theatre to Host Special Screening of 'Beasts of the Southern Wild'

Newtown will have its own red carpet event Sunday in honor of the Oscars – and one local residents’ involvement with a Best Picture-nominated film.

The Newtown Theatre will have a special showing of “Beasts of the Southern Wild” to celebrate its nomination for Best Picture. Newtown resident Paul Mezey is executive producer of the film.

The movie screening begins at 6 p.m., tickets are $10. After the film, residents can stick around to watch the awards show on the big screen.

According to the theatre, the awards portion of the event is free and open to the public but donations will be accepted for the digital projector fund.

Mayor Dennis O’Brien encourages participants to wear their best. “Black tie is optional, but it would be really cool if everyone dressed up,” he said

There are sponsorship packages available: a ticket and printing sponsor is $250; a Red Carpet sponsor is $500; a food sponsor is $750; and a wine sponsor is $1000.

For more information about sponsorships, contact (215) 968-3859, ext. 9400.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the theatre’s Digital Projector Fund.

The historic Newtown Theatre, built in 1831, has launched a fundraising effort for a digital projector because movie production companies are phasing out the 35mm film versions.

According to the theatre’s website, it has raised about $60,000 of the $100,000 needed to replace the equipment.