- Tags:
- MovieTechnology
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every March 5
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎬
Reel Film Day champions the enduring legacy of film and cinematic storytelling every March 5. Explore independent film screenings, discover classic movies, and celebrate the art form with fellow cinephiles.
Want to sponsor Reel Film Day? Learn how
Expected Reel Film Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that Reel Film Day inspires various deals for film lovers. Expect major cinema chains like AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas to offer discounted tickets or special concession combos. Streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ might curate special collections of classic or independent films. Retailers like Best Buy and Amazon could feature sales on home theater equipment or physical media from distributors like Criterion Collection. Independent film houses often host unique events, sometimes with free admission or special pricing. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March 5 approaches.
Platform Guide for Reel Film Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #ReelFilmDay. Share short clips from your favorite classic films or showcase your local independent cinema.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ReelFilmDay. Post visually striking stills from iconic movies or behind-the-scenes glimpses of film preservation efforts.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #ReelFilmDay. Join discussions about the future of cinema, share film trivia, or live-tweet a classic movie marathon.
Reel Film Day Hero
Louis Le Prince
History of Reel Film Day
From engineers to technicians and filmmakers, there are countless people who contributed to the invention and production of the 35mm film. The first was Thomas Edison who invented the camera and projector to shoot films on. Edison’s cameras and projectors had a width of 35mm which meant they needed film of the same width. Eastman Kodak Company, or simply Kodak’s, founder George Eastman created and produced the film rolls that would eventually be used to make movies. To this day, Kodak supplies the film used for movies.
Disney, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal, and Warner Bros. Studios came together in 2002 to form the Digital Cinema Initiative (D.C.I.) with the purpose of facilitating the move to digital filmmaking, ensuring a uniform, high level of technical performance, reliability, and quality control. Since the creation of D.C.I., more movie directors have veered away from traditional film to creating digital movies.
It is important to preserve these historic movies that were shot and displayed on film, and Reel Film Day is a day to do just that, a day to commemorate this revolutionary period in entertainment history. It was in the late 19th century that the first motion picture was shot on film, “The Horse In Motion,” and till the 2000s, the 35mm film was the standard. Kodak and Alamo Drafthouse, famous for being one of the only theaters in recent times that can run film, came together on March 5, 2017, to announce the first-ever Reel Film Day. On that day, Alamo Drafthouse and independent theaters all over the country displayed the beauty of 35mm film through screenings of a few timeless classics. Part of the proceeds of the inaugural observance of the holiday was donated to the Film Foundation for their film preservation efforts.
Reel Film Day timeline
In Berlin, Max and Emil Skladanowsky present the first moving picture show through the Bioscope, a movie projector they developed, and a month later, the Lumière brothers, who invented their own filming system, the Cinematographe, host the first commercial screening of 10 short films in Paris.
A woman directs a film for the first time, and it also happens to be the first film with a narrative; Alice Guy remained the only female filmmaker for a decade.
Real estate and banking tycoon H. J. Whitley arrives in Cahuenga Valley and opens the Hollywood Hotel where the Dolby Theater now stands.
The Australian film, “The Story of the Kelly Gang,” is released — the very first 60-minute feature film.
The first Hollywood studio is established on Sunset Boulevard.
Major film companies start relocating to Hollywood to escape being sued by Thomas Edison for infringing his film patents on the East Coast.
The Golden Age is born, defined by the technical and narrative style now characteristic of American cinema.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in collaboration with Kodak organizes the first Reel Film Day.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Reel Film Day
Local businesses can honor Reel Film Day by engaging with their communities. Independent cinemas can host special screenings of classic films or local productions, offering discounted tickets to encourage attendance. Film schools or photography stores could organize workshops on film photography or the basics of cinematography. Restaurants and cafes near theaters might offer themed menus or discounts to moviegoers, creating a festive atmosphere around the cinematic experience.
Reel Film Day FAQs
When is Reel Film Day?
In 2027, Reel Film Day is observed on a Friday, March 5. This timing makes it a perfect start to a weekend dedicated to exploring classic movies, independent films, and the magic of the big screen.
How many movies are released in the U.S. each year?
The U.S. film landscape sees hundreds of new releases each year, with approximately 700-800 titles hitting screens. These range from wide-release blockbusters to niche independent projects, reflecting a diverse and prolific industry.
What is the global box office revenue for films?
Globally, the film industry’s box office can generate anywhere from $25 billion to over $40 billion in a given year. This substantial revenue illustrates the enduring popularity of moviegoing as a shared entertainment experience across continents.
What is the significance of celluloid film in modern cinema?
Even in the digital age, celluloid film holds a revered place in modern cinema due to its unique visual texture and archival stability. Many acclaimed directors continue to shoot on film, valuing its distinctive look and the physical process of filmmaking it embodies.
Reel Film Day Activities
Watch 35mm films
Celebrate Reel Film Day by watching movies made on the 35mm reel. Some modern movie examples include “Wonder Woman,” “Interstellar,” and “La La Land.”
Attend an event at your local theater
Find out if your local theater is hosting an event for Reel Film Day. Sometimes, theaters play movies that were shot on film the entire day.
Watch a classic
If you can’t find a movie that was made on the 35mm reel, celebrate Reel Film Day by watching a classic. The day is after all a celebration of movies.
5 Facts About Hollywood That Will Blow Your Mind
The Walk of Fame star doesn’t come cheap
It costs $30,000 to get yourself a star on the walk of fame.
Frank Sinatra has three stars
On the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he has a star each for film, music, and television.
The Hollywood sign was erected in 1923
A real estate agent called Harry Chandler wanted to advertise properties in the locality.
The first Hollywood movie was “In Old California”
This was a 17-minute short film directed by D.W. Griffith in 1910.
The Oscars were first held in 1929
It was attended by 270 people and only 15 different awards were presented.
Why We Love Reel Film Day
It revisits film history
Since most movies are made digitally today, Reel Film Day revisits the years when filmmaking was manual. It preserved this history of using reels and films.
It’s a celebration of engineering and art
Movie making combines engineering and art to bring us the best of entertainment. Reel Film Day celebrates this spectacular achievement.
Cinephiles love this day
Reel Film Day is a big day for all cinephiles. It’s a perfect excuse to geek out on their favorite movies, characters, stars, and trivia.
Social Media Tips for Reel Film Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands