Save Cinema: Why the Big Screen Still Matters
In an era of endless streaming options and home entertainment systems, acclaimed filmmaker Sean Baker is making a passionate plea: don't abandon movie theaters. His recent Oscar campaign isn't just about recognition—it's a battle cry for preserving the communal art of cinema.
Baker, known for intimate, groundbreaking films like "The Florida Project" and "Red Rocket," understands that theatrical experiences offer something streaming cannot replicate: collective human connection. When audiences share laughter, tears, and gasps in a darkened theater, something transformative happens.
The statistics are sobering. Since the pandemic, theater attendance has dramatically declined, with streaming services capturing unprecedented market share. Yet Baker argues that this shift threatens more than just an industry—it risks losing a fundamental cultural experience.
- Theatrical releases create shared cultural moments
- Large screens reveal cinematic nuances impossible at home
- Community viewing enhances emotional engagement
For emerging filmmakers and film lovers, Baker's message is clear: support local theaters, choose theatrical screenings when possible, and recognize cinema as a communal art form. The big screen isn't just a viewing platform—it's a sacred space for storytelling and human connection.
