Fatima film gets second shot at theatrical release through AMC

AMC approached 'Fatima' creators to ensure this important film gets its time in the spotlight.

The biggest faith film of 2020, Fatima, is getting a second shot at the silver screen. Originally released over a year ago, the film’s debut was interrupted by the world pandemic. Now, the movie is back in theaters, and just in time for the 104th anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima, May 13.

In a report from National Catholic Register, CEO of Picturehouse Bob Berney said it was “very unusual” to re-release a movie in theaters. Be that as it may, he said that there is “still demand for the film,” pointing towards Fatima’s success in DVD sales and streaming services. Berney noted that AMC actually approached Picturehouse about the arrangement, a rare instance to be sure.

The Miracle of the Sun

The events depicted in Fatima are some of the most well known in Christian history. When hope began to dwindle during the First World War, nine-year-old Lúcia dos Santos and her younger cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto prayed for peace. Soon after, the children received a response and claimed to have visions of the Blessed Mother. Officials were skeptical, but the faithful flocked to the area in pilgrimage.

As David Ives explains for Aleteia:

The visions culminated in the famous Miracle of the Sun, in which thousands of witnesses purported to see Sol turn into a spinning disc and hurtle towards the Earth before returning to its natural state.

The film’s message of innocent faith in the face of adversity is a timeless one with which many can identify. Berney noted, however, that the story is all the more relevant today due to its proximity to the early 20th-century influenza pandemic. He told NCR:

“To experience the movie and the message that it brings is really needed. It’s been such a dark year, and as things open up you do start to feel hope in the United States. And the film, the message of hope and peace is really timely, especially when you think that this story really happened around the time of the first pandemic [the influenza in 1917-18] making it relevant and timely.”

This second release of Fatima is unusual in more ways than one. AMC is offering a “Fan Favor” deal that would see tickets sold for $5 each. They are also offering special rates to rent out full theaters for church groups to view the work.

Fatima’s re-release is only available to see in AMC theaters. Visit Fatimathemovie.com to get tickets to an AMC theater near you.