Exclusive newportFILM Screening of "Virunga" is Before Netflix Premiere

newportFILM will be screening “Virunga” on Wednesday — before its Netflix premiere.

“This is actually a very exciting screening as this Netflix film is part of their new original programming and the only other public screenings this film will have before it’s Netflix premiere is an NY/LA oscar qualifying run,” said Meredith Nordhem of newportFILM. “This marks a big turn in the exploding business of film distribution, one where many excellent and worthy films will not end up seeing a traditional theatrical run as we are used to seeing.”

Virunga is a true story about a group of brave people who risk their lives in the troubled Congo in Africa in Virunga National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions of the world and home to the last group of wild mountain gorillas.

“In this wild, but enchanted environment, a small and embattled team of park rangers - including an ex-child soldier turned ranger, a carer of orphan gorillas and a Belgian conservationist - protect this UNESCO world heritage site from armed militia, poachers and the dark forces struggling to control Congo’s rich natural resources,” a release states.

The screening will be at the Casino Theatre at 9 Freebody St., in Newport, beginning at 6 p.m. with a pre-film reception with wines by PopCrush, beer by Mary Ann’s Ginger and hors d’oeuvres.

Tickets are $20. Check out the trailer for the film and get your tickets here: http://www.newportfilm.com/film-events/films/virunga