Magic Lantern continues to stream challenging cinema

Though the two main theater chains working Spokane and Coeur d'Alene have announced tentative opening dates — Regal on July 10th, AMC on or around July 15th — the issue is still uncertain with the area's other theaters.

There are exceptions, of course, in particular Colville's Auto-Vue Drive-In.

But at least the Magic Lantern Theater is offering a full lineup of streaming choices, many of which fulfill the arthouse's mission of presenting independent, foreign-language and mostly always challenging cinema.

Part of that mission, too, involves social awareness. To that end, the theater continues to offer through the end of June a package of films to stream, all of which focus on "cultural enrichment, economic development and social and racial justice." And which is why the money raised from rental of these films goes to help fund Spokane's Carl Maxey Center.

In addition, the Lantern continues to offer some 28 other movies, narrative and documentary, from all over the world as streaming options. And half of the rental price of those movies goes back to the theater itself.

So, until the theater opens its doors, it still is possible to see great cinema. And to help out a Spokane movie treasure in its time of need.

Below: "The Wild" will stream in a special event at 7 Thursday night through the Magic Lantern. Click here to buy virtual tickets.