Full Breakdown
Celebrating Resilience: The "Lost Films of COVID" Series
11/27/2025, 1:28:53 AM
Overview of the Initiative
In December 2025, independent distributors are collaborating to present the "Lost Films of COVID," a series of theatrical screenings aimed at showcasing films that were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organized by the ticketing platform Filmbot, this initiative seeks to honor the resilience of independent theaters and the importance of repertory film programming. The series features seven titles from five independent film distributors, including A24, Neon, GKids, IFC, and Film Movement.
Featured Films and Locations
The lineup includes notable titles such as A24's "Red Rocket," directed by Sean Baker, and Kelly Reichardt's "First Cow," both of which had limited releases interrupted by the pandemic. Other films in the series include Neon’s "Pig," GKids’ Oscar-nominated "Wolfwalkers," IFC’s horror film "Relic," and Film Movement’s "The Wild Goose Lake." The screenings are set to take place at various independent theaters, including the Frida Cinema in Santa Ana, California, Nitehawk Cinemas in Brooklyn, New York, the Gateway Film Center in Columbus, Ohio, and the Harris Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from December 12 to December 14.
Statements from Key Figures
Max Friend, CEO of Filmbot, emphasized the unique experience of watching films in theaters, stating, “There’s a kind of alchemy that happens when we experience movies together in theaters on the big screen.” He highlighted the importance of this series as a way to restore the theatrical spotlight to films that were sidelined during the pandemic. Matthew Viragh, executive director of Nitehawk, expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting the potential for the series to expand annually. Trevor Dillon from the Frida Cinema echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the communal experience of cinema.
Importance of Independent Cinema
The "Lost Films of COVID" series underscores the vital role of independent films in the cinematic landscape. Chris Hamel, CEO of the Gateway Film Foundation, remarked, “Independent films are the heartbeat of cinema — fearless, human and essential to keeping the art form alive.” A recent study by the AHC, which surveyed 31,500 moviegoers, found that a significant number of respondents valued the opportunity to see previously released features on the big screen, reinforcing the relevance of this initiative.
Conclusion
The "Lost Films of COVID" series serves as a testament to the enduring nature of independent filmmaking and the collective effort of distributors and theaters to bring these stories back to audiences. As the series unfolds, it aims to not only celebrate the films that were lost during the pandemic but also to reaffirm the importance of independent cinema in the cultural fabric of society.
