Calling all moviegoers and cinema fanatics! Summer can be an exciting time for the cinema with new blockbuster hits, dramas, comedies, and animated flicks gracing the big screen. It’s also the perfect time to gather up your friends and family for a unique movie-going experience that can only be truly enjoyed during the summer months: the drive-in movie experience!
Once again, we’re excited to be a part of Movies with a Downtown View! Although it’s not exactly a drive-in movie theatre per se, the experience is just as unique. Held in the MLK Jr. Memorial Park (formerly known to many as Manhattan Square Park) folks can bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a movie under the stars. The first movie screening will be held on Friday, July 24 with a second screening on Friday, August 14. Although, The Rochesteriat already put together a list of reasons why you should attend this year’s Movies with a Downtown View, we thought we’d join in on the fun by putting together a list of our own.
1. The Location
Right in the heart of Rochester, the spacious MLK Jr. Memorial Park is the perfect place to host a feature film. Bring your own blanket and sprawl out on the lawn or come with your own lawn chair to kick back, relax, and enjoy the show under the Rochester night sky coupled with the fantastic view of the Rochester cityscape!
2. The Sponsors
Movies with a Downtown View is made possible based on the collaborative efforts of The Rochesteriat, The Little Theatre, the Mayor’s office of Rochester, and generous sponsors and supporters. The Little Theatre is an iconic cultural staple in the city of Rochester, bringing the community a diverse array of films that cater to any type of audience. Therefore, we trust their expertise and can’t wait to view the two films that will be screened this summer! Another reason we love these sponsors is because they’re passionate about Rochester—something we love to hear! The Rochesteriat is described as a “city guide in the making.” Produced by local urbanites, they focus largely on local organizations to provide a visual resource for those interested in all of the amenities that reside within the city borders. Neat huh? We think so!
3 & 4. The Films
Moving on to the feature films. This year, Movies with a Downtown View will be showing two can’t-miss classics that are sure to entertain—Moonrise Kingdom and Be Kind Rewind.
July 24: Moonrise Kingdom
Directed by the two-time Academy Award nominated filmmaker Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom features a star-studded cast, including Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, and Frances McDormand. Set during the summer of 1965, the film focuses on two twelve-year-old kids who meet, fall in love, and make a pact to run into the wilderness together, setting a slew of local authorities to chase after them. We promise won’t give away any more spoilers, so check out the movie trailer to see what you can look forward to!
When: Friday, July 24th, 6:30-10:30pm
August 14: Be Kind Rewind
A hit at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, this dramedy stars Jack Black and Mos Def as VHS rental store clerks who accidentally erase the footage on all of their VHS tapes—forcing them to get creative in order to save the business. Check out the trailer:
When: Friday, August 14th, 6:00-10:00pm
5. The Food
Two Words: COME HUNGRY! There will be food trucks, including Le Petit Poutine for those looking to grab some delicious vegan or vegetarian cuisine. They’ve also got you covered when it comes to beverages as well. Swing by the beer station for an ice-cold brew or grab your favorite specialty coffee or drink from the Pour Coffee Parlor tent! Either way, there will be plenty of food options and drinks available for purchase. Not a food truck fan? No problem! Pack your own snacks and make a picnic out of it!
6. The Giveaways, including the GRAND PRIZE!
Throughout the night there will be a series of raffles for prizes from some of Rochester’s best businesses. All you have to do is take a quick survey and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win some pretty sweet prizes. However, you’ll want to stick around for the grand prize drawing for a chance to win two round trip tickets on JetBlue Airways!
7. The event is Eco Friendly!
Everyone is encouraged to walk or bike to the screening (bike racks available!). Free and paid parking will be available as well.
8. It’s the perfect summertime event!
Have you been searching for the perfect relaxing weeknight event? Look no further! There’s no experience quite like catching a movie with your friends or family, but what makes Movies with a Downtown View so special is that it’s held outdoors! The best part is that it’s all about instilling community values and brining the people of Rochester closer together—which we love!
9. It's FREE
Need we say more?
10. Rochester Brainery will be there!
Yep, that’s right! We’ll be set up for both of the events doing a giveaway at our table! You could win a $15 gift card to Rochester Brainery. If you’ve been waiting to take a class, now’s your chance to potentially take one for free. Make sure to swing by our table and come visit us!