ROCKLAND — Two special engagement screenings of the new documentary UnCharitable will be presented Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. each day., at the Strand Theatre. The film, based on the book Uncharitable by Dan Pallotta, seeks to expose the dark side of philanthropy and introduce a radical new way of giving.

Directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, UnCharitable asks: What if charity could be transformed from a gesture to an answer — to solving the world’s greatest problems? What if everything we’ve been taught about charitable giving is wrong? What if it’s undermining the very causes we love the most? UnCharitable is a one-of-a-kind movie that shows how our charitable traditions and prejudices have suffocated the charitable sector and prevented it from leading the charge to truly change the world.

Dan Pallotta’s TED talk about his book Uncharitable became one of the most talked-about TED talks of all time — changing everything from charity watchdog standards to the giving practices of America’s biggest foundations. The movie UnCharitable follows the stories of four iconic American charitable efforts that were crippled or destroyed by old ideas. Step-by-step, and with a chorus of leading voices in the field, the movie shows how charity’s real power has been misunderstood and undermined by anachronistic ideas about frugality and deprivation and takes the viewer on a journey from sack-cloth and ashes to a place where unleashed, charities can play the leading role in creating an unimaginably beautiful world that works for everyone. More information about the film can be found at uncharitablemovie.com.

“Viewing of this film is highly recommended for all nonprofit leaders and employees, board members, volunteers, and anyone who has a charitable practice of supporting the good work of nonprofits with their financial gifts big or small,” said the Strand, in a news release. “These special engagement screenings are presented by the Strand Theatre in support of our nonprofit community members.”

Tickets are $8/Matinee General Admission, $7/Strand Members, and will be available at the box office 30 minutes prior to show time.

For more information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com  or call (207) 594-0070 EX 3.

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main St., Rockland.