Dear Swifties who film themselves with the flash on inside the cinema—

For two weekends now, Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour film has been screening worldwide, and we Swifties couldn’t be more ecstatic to dress up, exchange friendship bracelets, and sing our hearts out. But not everyone is exactly having fun due to some fellow concert filmgoers unfortunately throwing cinema etiquette and courtesy out of the window. We’re talking about those who keep turning on their mobile phone’s flash inside a dark theater. In case you need to brush up on your cinema etiquette, here are a few rules to remember:

You’re not the only one in the cinema

Unless you rented out the whole cinema for yourself or you’re joining a private block screening, you have to follow the rules set for the public. And yes, this includes turning off your flashlight during the show to avoid disturbing other viewers.

For most The Eras Tour film screenings, you’re with strangers who paid to be there and hoped to enjoy the same concert film peacefully, preferably without a flashlight blinding them. So keep this in mind: you’re not alone watching the cinema.

Be mindful and courteous

We’re not out here trying to police how you should enjoy things. You can sing and dance all you want — yes, Taylor herself said so — but remember to be mindful of others. At the very least, let’s observe the bare minimum of cinema etiquette and follow the golden rule when in public: Respect everyone’s space. Be courteous to your fellow Swifties, and avoid doing things that would disrupt their experience and enjoyment.

Sing as much as you want, but avoid shouting to the point that people can’t hear Taylor singing anymore. Dance as much as you want, but don’t block other people’s view of the screen. We’re all here to be wowed by Blondie’s performance, not stare at a squealing stranger’s back.

Sure, film yourself as much as you want, but don’t turn on your phone’s flash or torch. Again, we’re here to see Taylor, not the light from your phone.

This still falls under the golden rule we discussed earlier, remember? Respect. If someone politely asks you to stop ruining their experience for them, you can quickly comply or ask for a compromise. You can opt to film yourself for a few seconds and proceed to enjoy the concert in the dark. Arguing with someone over whether or not you’re allowed to film can sour the whole experience, and no one wants that to happen.

Don’t take selfies while the film is playing

We don’t know what’s worse: Filming with the flashlight on or quick bursts of flash inside a dark cinema. Both are equally blinding, which begs the question, Why? Why would you voluntarily blind yourself while singing to the Eras Tour instead of, I don’t know, beholding Taylor’s beauty?

Live in the moment

Look, we get it. In this highly digitized world, you want to film as much of yourself as possible to share it with your friends online. It’s cool to love Taylor Swift, cooler, even, to attend her concerts. And you want to cash in on those cool points. You can sing and dance and enjoy the concert all you want, but all everyone is asking is you remain courteous and brush up on your cinema etiquette. You paid at least PHP 500 to watch the movie (and so did everyone else in that room), so enjoy it. Live in the moment, folks!

What are your thoughts on this cinema etiquette?

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