Automotive & Transportation
Grandin Theater hosts phone documentary highlighting dangers of technology
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Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 22:23 GMT by WDBJ🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
On Tuesday, the Grandin Theater hosted a special movie night, showing a documentary titled "Can't Look Away: The Case Against Social Media."
Grandin Theatre Hosts Screening of 'The Phone' Documentary, Spotlighting Perils of Modern Technology
ROANOKE, Va. – In an era where smartphones are as ubiquitous as the air we breathe, the historic Grandin Theatre in Roanoke is set to challenge audiences to reconsider their digital dependencies. On the evening of August 15, 2025, the beloved venue will host a special screening of the acclaimed documentary "The Phone," a film that delves deep into the hidden dangers of technology, from mental health impacts to societal fragmentation. This event, organized in partnership with local advocacy groups, aims to spark community dialogue about the double-edged sword of connectivity in our daily lives.
The documentary, directed by independent filmmaker Elena Vasquez, explores the evolution of mobile phones from mere communication tools to omnipresent devices that shape human behavior, relationships, and even cognition. Drawing on interviews with neuroscientists, psychologists, former tech executives, and everyday users, "The Phone" paints a stark picture of how excessive screen time contributes to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. One particularly poignant segment features testimonials from parents who have witnessed their children's attention spans dwindle amid the constant barrage of notifications and social media algorithms designed to addict.
At the Grandin Theatre, the screening will be more than just a film viewing; it's poised to be an interactive experience. Following the 90-minute documentary, a panel discussion moderated by local tech ethicist Dr. Marcus Hale will feature experts including a child psychologist from Roanoke Memorial Hospital and a representative from the national nonprofit Digital Wellness Initiative. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in Q&A sessions, sharing personal stories about their own struggles with technology overuse. "We're not just showing a movie; we're igniting a conversation," said Grandin Theatre manager Lisa Reynolds in an exclusive interview. "Roanoke has a rich history of community gatherings, and this event taps into that spirit to address a modern crisis."
The timing of the screening couldn't be more relevant. Recent studies cited in the film, such as those from the Pew Research Center, indicate that Americans check their phones an average of 96 times a day, with teenagers spending upwards of nine hours on screens outside of schoolwork. This digital immersion has been linked to a surge in mental health issues, including a 25% increase in adolescent suicide rates over the past decade, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "The Phone" doesn't shy away from these statistics; instead, it humanizes them through real-life narratives. For instance, the film follows Sarah, a 28-year-old marketing professional from Seattle, who recounts how her smartphone addiction led to burnout and strained family ties. "I realized I was more connected to my device than to the people around me," she says in a trailer clip that has garnered over a million views on YouTube.
Locally, the event resonates deeply with Roanoke residents, many of whom are grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated technology's role in education, work, and socialization. "In a place like Roanoke, where community ties are strong, it's easy to see how tech can erode those bonds," noted Dr. Hale. He points to the film's examination of "phubbing" – the act of snubbing someone in favor of your phone – and its corrosive effect on interpersonal relationships. The documentary also critiques the tech industry's profit-driven designs, featuring whistleblowers like former Facebook engineer Tim Kendall, who exposes how algorithms prioritize engagement over user well-being.
Beyond mental health, "The Phone" addresses physical dangers, such as the risks of distracted driving. A harrowing sequence recreates real accidents caused by texting behind the wheel, supported by data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showing that distracted driving claims over 3,000 lives annually in the U.S. The film extends its lens to privacy concerns, illustrating how apps harvest personal data for targeted advertising, often without users' full awareness. Vasquez, the director, draws from her own experiences growing up in the digital age, explaining in promotional materials that the project stemmed from her observation of how technology has transformed childhood. "Kids today don't play outside like we did; they're glued to screens, missing out on real-world experiences," she states.
The Grandin Theatre, a cornerstone of Roanoke's cultural scene since its opening in 1932, is an ideal setting for this thought-provoking event. Restored to its Art Deco glory, the theater has long served as a hub for independent films, live performances, and community events. Reynolds emphasized the venue's commitment to fostering awareness on pressing issues. "We've hosted screenings on climate change, social justice, and now technology's dark side. It's about using art to educate and inspire change," she said.
Tickets for the August 15 screening are priced at $12 for adults and $8 for students, with proceeds benefiting local digital literacy programs. Organizers encourage attendees to participate in a "phone-free" challenge during the event, where participants can voluntarily check their devices at the door to fully immerse themselves in the experience. This initiative aligns with the film's call to action: practical steps like setting screen time limits, creating tech-free zones in homes, and advocating for stricter regulations on tech companies.
Community leaders have already voiced support. Roanoke City Council member Anita Price praised the event for addressing a "silent epidemic." "Technology has brought incredible advancements, but at what cost? This documentary forces us to confront that question," she said. Similarly, educators from nearby schools plan to attend, hoping to incorporate the film's insights into curricula on media literacy.
As the screening approaches, anticipation builds in Roanoke. Social media buzz, ironically, has helped spread the word, with local hashtags like #UnplugRoanoke trending on platforms the film critiques. Yet, this irony underscores the documentary's core message: technology isn't inherently evil, but its unchecked use demands scrutiny.
For those unable to attend, "The Phone" is available on select streaming services, but the Grandin Theatre event promises a unique communal reflection. In a world increasingly dominated by digital interfaces, this screening serves as a timely reminder to look up from our screens and reconnect with the human elements that truly matter.
The film's broader implications extend to societal structures. It critiques how technology exacerbates inequality, with low-income families often lacking access to quality devices or digital education, widening the divide. Vasquez interviews experts from underserved communities, highlighting how algorithm biases perpetuate discrimination in areas like job searches and social services.
Moreover, "The Phone" touches on environmental impacts, noting the e-waste generated by constant device upgrades and the carbon footprint of data centers powering our online habits. A segment on "planned obsolescence" exposes how companies design products to fail, encouraging consumerism that harms the planet.
In Roanoke, where outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers a natural counterbalance to screen time, the event could inspire local initiatives. Imagine community workshops on mindful tech use or school programs promoting analog activities like hiking and reading physical books.
Dr. Hale, the panel moderator, shared his personal motivation: "As a father, I've seen how tech affects my kids. This film isn't about demonizing phones; it's about reclaiming control." His words echo the documentary's balanced approach, acknowledging benefits like instant information access and global connectivity while urging moderation.
Attendees might leave with practical tools, such as apps that ironically limit app usage or guides to digital detoxes. The event could catalyze a movement in Roanoke, perhaps leading to city-wide campaigns for tech-free public spaces.
Ultimately, "The Phone" and its Grandin Theatre screening represent a cultural pivot, inviting us to question the devices in our pockets. As Vasquez poignantly states in the film, "The phone isn't the problem; it's how we've let it redefine what it means to be human." In Roanoke, this message is set to resonate, one unplugged evening at a time.
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