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The Oriental Theatre has been dark since March 14, but Milwaukee Film still found a way to bring movies to you.
The hit documentary "Fantastic Fungi" is now available to rent or purchase on Vimeo – and best of all, 40 percent of the proceeds from each rental or purchase made at the attached links will go toward supporting Milwaukee Film and the Oriental Theatre during these difficult times. As an added bonus, if you rent or buy the doc on Thursday, March 26, your movie will come complete with access to your choice of three special video Q&As with director Louie Schwartzberg, subject Paul Stamets and other special guests, airing at 3 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Narrated by Brie Larson ("Captain Marvel," "Short Term 12"), "Fantastic Fungi" dives into the fascinating world of mushrooms – from their incredible interconnected root structure to their natural medicinal qualities and much more. And aiding all of this absorbing info is bright and gorgeous time-lapse footage showing these unique organisms growing into life.
The doc was a fan favorite at the Oriental prior to the theater (and then the rest of the city) closing – and now, thanks to Milwaukee Film and the filmmakers, you can still see it while also helping ensure you'll be able to see great movies at the city's gem of a theater after we get through this.
Renting "Fantastic Fungi" costs $4.99 for a 48-hour streaming period while buying the doc on digital costs $14.99. Just be sure to rent or purchase from this link (or make sure the page/description specifically says "Milwaukee Film") so 40% of your rental or purchase will go toward Milwaukee Film and the Oriental, helping a great organization and a local icon in this time of need.
And enjoy the show! I hear the main subject of the film is a real fungi. (I'm so sorry; I'll leave now.)
Stream or purchase @FantasticFungi today, sign up for an edifying Q&A, and help support @mkefilm and the @TheOrientalMKE all at the same time! 40% of proceeds from each purchase at the link below goes to us!
Celebrate Fantastic Fungi Day in style, MKE! https://t.co/ijb6VaTnAA — Milwaukee Film (@mkefilm) March 26, 2020
As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.
When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.