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Do you remember what life was like before the Internet? When dinner and a movie was an event to look forward to. Waiting for that Blockbuster new release so your friends could come over and order pizza. Maybe you do, but there are millions who don't – and many of them are longing for these real-life experiences.

More and more younger people who grew up in the digital age are drawn toward what some are calling "Analog" experiences. It's encouraging that there is hard data directly related to theaters demonstrating this trend...

This recent article over on IndieWire shares that, according to a Cinema United report, Gen Z's movie attendance grew 8% from 2024 to 2025.

"Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association, on Wednesday released the 2025 update to its annual Strength of Theatrical Exhibition report, which analyzes industry metrics beyond mere box office numbers. Takeaways from the report, which is available via Cinema United’s website, include how theaters are building loyalty through innovation and diverse films."

This description really resonates with us as feels like an excellent description of our Shorts on the Road business model:

• Loyalty: Don't nickel and dime theaters with fees and ensure they have quality programming. Finally give short filmmakers a way to actually get paid. A voting system for theater audiences to help build stronger communities around local, independent theaters.

• Innovation: A brand new distribution model for short films.

• Diverse Films: We're able to tap in to tens of thousands of amazing short films to find high-quality, amazing stories.

It's also one of the reasons we've chosen to implement a voting system for our shorts blocks. We've found that audiences enjoy the community aspect. This helps moviegoers enjoy the experience even more, builds theater loyalty, and celebrates the filmmakers even more.

We already have amazing short films ready to be seen on big screens throughout the U.S. Be sure to check back with us to see where you'll be able to see SOTR: Volume #1.

Want to submit your short film or are a theater and look forward to showing SOTR blocks to your audiences, drop us a note to chat.

Academy Award-Nominated Director John Hancock is on board as our October Film Festival Jury Foreman to help us choose this year's award winners.