Cleveland Cinemas and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Partner for "Backcountry"

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

Cleveland Cinemas and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History have partnered to bring entertainment and education together in a new, on-going series that will take place at various Cleveland Cinemas locations.

The first film to be announced is BACKCOUNTRY which will have a special screening on Thursday, April 2^nd at 7:15 in advance of the film’s opening on Friday, April 3^rd at the Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65^th St., Cleveland). The screening on April 2^nd will include an introduction and post-film discussion hosted by Harvey Webster, Director of Wildlife Resources at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

BACKCOUNTRY is based on the true story of a couple whose would-be romantic camping trip turned into a nightmare. After losing their way in the woods, they find themselves in the midst of a bear’s territory and must do what it takes to survive under terrifying circumstances.

“Through our new partnership with the Cleveland Natural History Museum we hope to entertain and educate our audience,” says Jonathan Forman, President of Cleveland Cinemas. “So many movies touch on subjects that tie into what the Museum has to offer that it’s a great fit for both of us. Their experts will highlight the facts and fiction of a film and encourage discussion with the audience.”

“The Museum is very excited to be a part of this new partnership with Cleveland Cinemas,” says Mary Rouse, Manager of Public Programs at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. “This is a unique opportunity for the Museum to bring its mission of science education and research out into the community and connect new audiences to science in an innovative and entertaining way.”

Other films that will be showcased in this new series will include JURASSIC PARK and BALTO. Dates and details on these screenings will be announced soon.

Tickets for BACKCOUNTRY are $9 for adults and $6 for seniors. The film is rated R and is not recommended for small children. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office or online at clevelandcinemas.com. A portion of each admission from the screening on April 2^nd will be donated to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Harvey B. Webster is Director of Wildlife Resources at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. He directs the Ralph Perkins Wildlife Center and Woods Garden and the Museum’s Wildlife Resource Center. The Perkins Wildlife Center is one of the largest zoos of native wildlife in Ohio. It is a unique, living, outdoor gallery at the Museum that promotes the awareness, appreciation and conservation of Ohio’s wildlife and the living communities upon which wild creatures depend. It is a perennial favorite of visitors to the Museum.

Conservation and sustainability education is at the heart of the Wildlife Resource Center’s programs and the live animals at the Museum form a hard-working educational corps that reaches upwards of 250,000 people per year in exhibits, classes and programs.

About The Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, incorporated in 1920, is one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America. It is noted for its collections, research, educational programs and exhibits. The Museum’s collections encompass more than 5 million artifacts and specimens, and research of global significance focuses on 11 natural science disciplines. The Museum actively conserves biological diversity through the protection of more than 6,600 acres of natural areas. It promotes health education with local programs and distance learning that extends across the globe. Its GreenCityBlueLake Institute is a center of thought and practice for the design of green and sustainable cities. CMNH.org