The Magic Lantern makes new films available to rent online

Spokane's Magic Lantern Theatre has joined the digital rental movement, making a handful of films available to watch online for less than it normally costs to go out to the movies. Half of the proceeds for your rentals go directly to the Lantern, making up for lost revenue while theaters around the world are closed.

Here's what you can watch right now and what titles will be added this weekend; check the Lantern's website for a complete list of streaming links.

Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson & The Band
The Band, one of the greatest roots-rock groups of all time, gets its own career overview, anchored by the memories of primary songwriter Robbie Robertson. Read our review of the film here, and rent it here.


The Whistlers
In this twisty Romanian caper, a cop is entangled in a cockeyed heist that involves an anicent whistling language and busting a corrupt businessman out of jail. Rent it here.


And here's what will be available starting Friday, April 10.

And Then We Danced
Set in the country of Georgia, an allegory of religious differences told through two male dancers vying for a spot in the national ballet ensemble. Rent it here.


Saint Frances
As she nears her mid-30s, a directionless woman snaps into focus when she becomes pregnant and takes a job nannying a precocious little girl. A sharp, surprisingly frank human comedy. Rent it here. (This film is also available to rent through the Kenworthy.)

British director Ken Loach has been telling gritty, working-class stories since the '60s, and his latest concerns a delivery driver and his family struggling in the gig economy. Rent it here.


The Woman Who Loves Giraffes
A loving documentary portrait of zoologist Ann Innis Dagg, whose studies of South African wildlife paved the way for Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey. Rent it here.