“Catfish” not reaching a wide enough audience

DALLAS — Catfish, a reality documentary that follows two people meeting online, has the potential to be one of the most popular films of the year — that is, if people get the chance to see it.

The issue is trying to get the Sundance film, “Catfish,” better known and better distributed. Few Dallas college students are aware of this film, even though it is geared toward the collegiate. And the ones who want to see it will most likely have to drive for close to an hour to find a theater showing it. Todd Ramsey of Wichita, Kansas was frustrated that the film wasn’t playing in his hometown, so he created a Facebook group to bringing Catfish to Wichita. He has also started a petition to get the film to a local theater.

The Social Network was given 3 stars, and is being shown in all area theaters. Catfish was given 4 stars, but only opens in select theaters.

Catfish tells the story of filmmakers Rel Schulman and Henry Joost. The film concerns Rel’s brother, Nev, a 24-year-old New York photographer, and an 8-year-old girl named Abbey. Abbey begins sending Nev paintings of his published photographs.

Abbey and Nev start what is commonly known as a “Facebook relationship.” Abbey has made her family sound very appealing, with photos of her “beautiful mother” and “sexy older sister Megan.” Despite horror stories about on-line predators and the dangers involved, Nev and two buddies embark on a road trip to Michigan.

Movie reviews for “Catfish” stop after this synopsis. The film would otherwise be spoiled if too much is revealed. It is in all forms an immersion into the harsh currents of reality, with very little predictability.

So back to the one important question: How do we get “Catfish” more notice? Facebook is a great way to start. These methods will be a great jump-start to spread this movie’s audience reach. Comment below with your ideas on how to get this great film to local theaters.