After the extraordinary success of the movie ‘Sound of Freedom’ and repeated requests from theater patrons, Cordell Chamber of Commerce has changed the scheduling at the Washita Theatre in order to accommodate a special weekend showing of the film on August 24th, 25th, and 26th and 7:00 p.m. each night.
‘Sound of Freedom,’ based on an incredible true story, shines a light on the issue of child trafficking. It has garnered nationwide attention and has already earned more than $100 million in ticket sales.
Posts on social media, phone calls to the Chamber, and in-person requests convinced Washita Theatre manager Sarah Lau and the Chamber Board of Directors that every effort should be made to secure a spot in the lineup for the movie.
Now the theater needs its patrons’ help. Due to the cost of adding this showing, there must be a large attendance with robust sales at the concession stand. Traditionally, movies that have already been showing in other theaters for several weeks have a much smaller audience. What the general public may not realize about small-town theaters is that the fees can be anywhere from $100 - $1000 per movie to procure the rights to even schedule a showing, and then up to 70% of the ticket sales also have to be paid back to the film studio. The only thing that can realistically turn a profit is concession sales.
The Chamber strives to keep concession prices reasonable, and moviegoers should keep in mind that those sales are what keeps the doors to the Washita Theatre open.