Ozarks Public Television’s (OPT) newest locally produced documentary, “Now Showing – The Life and Times of Springfield Movie Theaters,” is set to premiere May 25.  

“It’s been wonderfully fun and informative to develop this special documentary and to experience the support of so many individuals,” said Tom Carter, OPT’s programming and production manager.  

“It remains an always much-enjoyed pleasure and privilege for OPT to help share these unique and diverse local stories.”  

The documentary premieres on OPT’s main channel at 8 p.m. May 25 and re-airs at 6 p.m. May 28. It will be available to stream on OPT’s website May 29. 

About the documentary 

“Now Showing” looks at the origin, history and highlights of local movie theaters.  

The one-hour nostalgic presentation recreates the novelty of the movie-going experience through archival clippings, images, video and informed personal insights. 

“‘Now Showing’ takes a look at the many local theaters that have brought iconic films of the past century to Springfield,” said Rachel Knight, OPT’s general manager.  

“Viewers will reminisce about the theaters where they saw their favorite films, remember the spots long forgotten and perhaps even learn about some theaters they never got the chance to visit.”  

About OPT 

Ozarks Public Television is the region’s PBS affiliate and includes full-power stations in Springfield (KOZK) and Joplin (KOZJ).  

As part of its mission to encourage the exploration of ideas and their application to citizenship, OPT works to document, present and preserve the history and local culture of the Ozarks through the production of local series and films.  

OPT is jointly licensed with KSMU Radio, the region’s NPR affiliate. Brought together in 2001, the stations formed Ozarks Public Broadcasting, licensed to and operated by Missouri State University.