Tickets have not only been moving fast for Kings Park, Stories From an American Mental Institution, they have been selling out.
The documentary, directed by filmmaker Lucy Winer, a once suicidal teenager who was committed to the Kings Park Psychiatric Hospital in 1967, has sold out their recent screenings in January and have now sold out an March 3 date, which is the movie's third showing at the 275 seat Cinema Arts Centre.
According to the theater's publicist, Susan Finkelstein, they are working on adding a fourth show.
"We've sold out shows before, but the clamor around this is different," she said. "People are anxious to get tickets and we have never sold out before the shows. The minute we say the show is sold out, they want to know when the next one is."
Winer is grateful for the response and support.
"The Huntington Centre has been wonderful to open their doors again," said Winer. "The film is really touching a nerve."
Beginning Jan. 30, the movie will be available on DVD. Finklestein said, though the movie can be seen at home, the experience of sharing it with the audience is not to be missed. Following the movie, Winer and members of the cast and crew are on hand for a Q&A with the audience.
"It's really different to see it in the theater, with the director there to answer your questions and we do a wine and cheese reception," said Finkelstein. "I think people lose the feel of community when you are starting at your small or big screen at home."
