Tag Archives | Australia

Randwick, New South Wales, Australia: Mr. Rosenberg Popularizing the Drive-In Movie One City at a Time

Image from a youth party at Historic Matraville Drive-In

Randwick is poised to become ground zero in a movement to re-establish drive-in cinemas across the country.

’s Paul Rosenberg’s love of the drive-in experience led to his vision to restore this almost extinct past-time, (there is only one left in at Blacktown), to its former glory.

He approached the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) in 2007 to use the Randwick racecourse car park but his idea was put on the backburner because of World Youth Day.

Now, with his application with Randwick Council, Mr Rosenberg is ready to begin his campaign to re-popularise the drive-in experience.

“I grew up in Maroubra, so I grew up with the Matraville drive-in, which I used to love,” he said. “The atmosphere was great, we used to pay just 40 cents to see the films but we still used to hide people in the boot to get in for free. But that closed in 1980 and now we have a situation where people, like my children who are 22 and 25, have never been to a drive-in.”

He also wants to revive the drive-in at other AJC locations, including Warwick Farm and Rosehill.

And his plan for drive-ins at largely disused race course car parks could be a “winner” with the success of outdoor cinemas in Sydney and the revival of drive-in theatres in the US.

“It’s great family entertainment, which I think the Eastern Suburbs is lacking, and the fact that we haven’t had a drive-in in 20 years, it’s a definite winner,” he said.

Are you a fan of the drive-in? Tell us at southerncourier.com.au.

Mr Rosenberg said he expected the first screenings would be on May 1, with four sessions from Friday through to Sunday until the end of July.

The screen will be an all-weather, wind braced, air-inflatable structure and the film sound track will be broadcast through each vehicles FM car radio.

Each session will accommodate around 500 cars at $44 a car, with prime, screen front positions including valet food service costing $60 a car.

Nick Moncrieff-Hill

source-http://southern-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/a-journey-of-nostalgia/

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Brisbane, Australia: Annual Moonlight Cinema Bring Outdoor Movies in Focus

Make the most of summer weather and head down to picturesque New Farm Park for ’s annual Moonlight Cinema.

Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or let the alfresco cinema staff cater to you with bean bags and gourmet goodies and enjoy a fine selection of film including new releases and old favourites.

From Monty Python’s Life of Brian (January 7) to Where the Wild Things are (January 20) and Avatar (January 22), there’s something for everyone at this popular event.

And with showings running from sundown nearly every day until February 21, there’s plenty of time to catch your favourite stars on the big screen in the great outdoors.

source-http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/your-brisbane/moonlight-cinema-summer-star-20091230-ljmz.html


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Eumundi, Queensland, Australia: Flicks in the Sticks Announces Two More Outdoor Movie Screenings

The Outdoor Cinema ‘Flicks in the Sticks’ has announced two more screenings at Showgrounds for January – The Blues Brothers for Friday 15 January and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory for Saturday 23 January.

“Both films have cult classic status in their own right and are a guaranteed great trip down memory lane,” says Flicks in the Sticks Director Steve Beardsley. “And most of us oldies that have seen the films before probably haven’t ever seen them on the big screen.”

“We’ll have a big shout out to anyone that makes the effort to dress-up for The Blues Brothers – and getting up and grooving to the tunes will also be encouraged!,” says Steve.

Gates open at 6pm, with the screening starting around 7.15pm. Moviegoers are reminded to bring something to sit on – a picnic rug, chair, beanbag, or even a couch!

The candy bar opens from 6pm – with ice-creams, popcorn and all the necessary movie munchies. There will also be a sausage sizzle and BBQ from 6pm until the movie starts.

“The cost is only $8 per person, and free for children under 3 years of age,” says Steve. “The price also includes a glow light for everyone, as well as a drink and popcorn.”

A bit about the movies…

THE BLUES BROTHERS

A cult classic, The Blues Brothers is a film not for the faint hearted – because it will grab you and make you want to shake a tail feather (you’ll have to hear the music to get that one…)

The star-studded cast features the legendary John Belushi, Dan Ackroyd, James Browm, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway and Aretha Franklin … and that’s just for starters!

The Plot

After his release from prison, Jake Blues and his brother Elwood go to visit the old home where they were raised by nuns. They discover the church has stopped its support and will sell the place to the education authority, and the only way to keep the place open is if the $5000 tax on the property is paid within 11 days.

The brothers want to help and decide to put their blues band back together and raise the $$ by staging a big gig. As they set off on their “mission from god” they seem to make more enemies along the way.

Will they manage to come up with the money in time?

If you love music – and especially the blues – you’ll love The Blues Brothers..

WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Another classic bound to appeal to children as well as nostalgic grown ups, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a magical adventure guaranteed to have your children wanting a visit to a lolly factory!

The Plot

Mysterious candy(lolly)maker Willy Wonka, for years a recluse, announces a worldwide contest that will see five lucky people win an amazing tour of his lolly and chocolate factory, and win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate.

Nobody wants the prize more than young Charlie Bucket, who lives in poverty with his mother and four grandparents.  They are so poor that buying even one bar of chocolate is a treat, and buying enough bars to find one of the five golden tickets is unlikely in the extreme.

But in movieland, magic can happen. Charlie, along with four somewhat odious other children, get the chance of a lifetime and a tour of the factory. Along the way, mild disasters befall each of the children. You’ll have to come along to see what happens to Charlie…

The Flicks in the Sticks project acknowledges the generous support of Government Q150 celebrations, The Sunshine Coast Regional Council, and the Eumundi and District Historical Association.

source-http://www.mysunshinecoast.com.au/articles/article-display/shake-a-tail-feather-and-visit-wonkaland-at-eumundis-outdoor-cinema–flicks-in-the-sticks,15924

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Queensland, Australia: Outdoor Movies in the Park for Summerdaze Festival

Queenstown Lakes District Council arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell is getting excited about Summerdaze.

Six months of work will come to fruition for a small team of hard workers tomorrow when the month-long Summerdaze festival kicks off in Queenstown and Wanaka.

Beginning on New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display and concert in both centres, the festival also boasts outdoor movies, Shakespearian plays and sporting events.

Queenstown Lakes District Council arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said the planning for the event began six months ago with funding applications and band bookings.

Event promotion company eveNZ had been contracted to help with the planning and had done a fantastic job, she said.

A new event this year, “Shakespeare on Location”, involved a guided tour around Queenstown Park at night while actors from the Remarkables Theatre performed some of the playwright’s most famous works, she said. “I’m quite excited because it’s new this year so I hope people will come out and enjoy it … and it’s free which makes it even better,” she said.

Planning such a large series of events was a busy time for the small team but seeing how much everyone enjoyed it made it worth it, she said.

“It’s full-on but everyone is just so good at supporting it so I think that takes a lot of stress out of it.”

eveNZ festival co-ordinator Nicole Fairweather said everything had come together perfectly before Christmas and the signature event tomorrow would be awesome.

The outdoor movies beginning in Wanaka on Saturday would also be great and are expected to attract a large crowd, she said.

Highlight events include: Wanaka Rodeo on Saturday and the Queenstown Violin School from January 10 to 22.

Shane Cowlishaw

source-http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/features/arts-entertainment/3199592/Bard-in-the-Park-for-festival

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Coffs Coast, New South Wales, Australia: Outdoor Movie Fun from Last Year Returning to Coffs Harbour

The cinema in action last year

GREAT news for Coffs Coast cinema-lovers, the Newcastle Permanent Open Air Cinema is back.

Even better, entry is free.

For three nights, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a picnic under the stars and enjoy a movie.

Woolgoolga Beach Reserve is the place to be on Friday, January 8, when Bombora: The Story of Australian Surfing will be screened.

Marley and Me will screen at Jetty Foreshores on Saturday, January 9.

The final screening on Sunday, January 10, is Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian.

“It’s a great opportunity for families and friends to get together for a picnic and enjoy the beautiful weather on the Coffs Coast, while watching a film on a huge outdoor screen, under the stars,” Sinclair Black from Coastal Cinemas said.

Films commence at sundown; approximately 8.15pm.

Movie-goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and something comfortable to sit on and relax as the sunsets and the big screen lights up.

The movies are screening for free this summer thanks to Newcastle Permanent and City Centre Coffs Harbour.

Kira Love

source-http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2009/12/27/CCA_28-12-2009_EGN_02_ch2803b.IMG_t325.jpg


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Tingha, New South Wales, Australia:Outdoor Movies in the Park are On Again with NECU Movies in the Park 2010

Armchair movie enthusiasts will be able to bring their lounges, recliners and other comfortable seating to once again enjoy outdoor movies.

The “NECU Movies in the Park 2010” will be held in Leggo Park (behind the Council) in January next year.

The feature film will commence at around 8.00pm on Friday, 22 and Saturday 23 January.

There will also be movies in with the final date and venue yet to be confirmed.

Bring the family, bring along some friends and make it a great community evening.

Further information regarding the movies and Day events can be obtained from Geoff Dowden at Council on 6770 7110 or email gdowden@guyra.nsw.gov.au

 

Aus tralia Day

Guyra’s Ambassador for Australia Day 2010 will be Mr. Scott Brockenshire, who is a paralympic medal winning swimmer.

The awards dinner will be held at the Bowling Club on Monday, January 25, 2010 and tickets are on sale at the Council until Thursday, January 21.

Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children aged under 12.

On Australia Day, the flag raising will be held in Rotary Park at 12.00noon.

The Australia Day activities at Tingha will include the awards presentations at the breakfast to be held at the Tingha Sport & Recreation Club at 8.00am.

source-http://www.guyraargus.com.au/news/local/news/general/movies-in-the-park-are-on-again/1709250.aspx

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Paddington, Australia: Alfresco Cinema; What's on this Summer in Centennial Park Among Others

Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema

When December 3 to March 14.

Where Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park.

How much From $15 for an adult.

Highlights Cult movies such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and a new print of Saturday Night Fever will show. There will be doggie nights and bean beds are for hire.

See moonlight.com.au

St George OpenAir

When January 12 to February 20.

Where Mrs Macquaries Point.

How much From $25. Tickets on sale from December 17.

Highlights premieres of movies such as The Wolfman and Clint Eastwood’s new film Invictus, as well as the view.

See  stgeorgeopenair.com.au

Bondi Openair

When January 20 to March 12.

Where Bondi Pavilion.

How much $17 for adults (there’s also $12.90 earlybird tickets). Tickets on sale now.

Highlights The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus on opening night, surf flicks such as Big Wednesday and the line-up of musicians playing before each film.

See bondiopenair.com.au

 

 

ME Bank Starlight Cinema

When January 13 to

March 20.

Where North Sydney Oval.

How much From $18 for an adult. Tickets on sale now.

Highlights The Chillout Zone, where you can relax on a bean bed with a glass of wine or a beer on arrival, the Star Class VIP area with deck chairs and a cheese or antipasto box with waiter service on the dining terrace beforehand and the selection of family friendly films.

See starlightcinema.com.au

Movies in the Overflow

When January 2 to 7.

Where Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush.

How much Free.

Highlights Before each screening there will be a showing of an entry in the Short Soup International Short Film Festival.

See sydneyolympicpark .com.au

Tropfest

When February 21.

Where The Domain.

How much Free.

Highlights It is promoted as the world’s largest short-film festival.

See tropfest.com

source-http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/film/alfresco-cinema-whats-on-this-summer/2009/12/10/1260034328475.html

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Edmundi, Australia: Stars Appear for Outdoor Film Event

Imi Beardsley is all set for tonight’s Flicks in the Sticks outdoor movie session at .

The red carpet may be missing, but all the stars will be there.

Eumundi’s first outdoor cinema night, Flicks in the Sticks, will be launched at the Eumundi Showgrounds tonight with a showing of the box-office hit, The Polar Express.

The event is the brainchild of locals Steve Beardsley and Trent Harvison, who wanted to create an event that would embrace the outdoor lifestyle and bring families and the community together.

“We hope Flicks in the Sticks will become a monthly event that unites the community socially and presents great fundraising opportunities for local groups,” Mr Beardsley said.

“The showground is such a wonderful facility, but it’s under-utilised. This is a great chance to use it and bring the community together.”

Mr Beardsley and his family moved to Eumundi from the United Kingdom two years ago, where holding an outdoor cinema was “nigh impossible”.

He said the region’s great weather had been an inspiration in setting up the event.

“It’s a family thing,” Mr Beardsley said.

“We want people to head out with a picnic rug and an esky and have a great time.

“We’re so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place and Flicks in the Sticks is about embracing that.”

The Polar Express will screen at 7pm, with gates opening at 6pm.

Cost is $5. There will be an on-site candy bar as well as a sausage sizzle, which will raise funds for the Eumundi State School.

Anne-Louise Brown

source-http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2009/12/18/stars-come-out-for-red-carpet-event-at-eumundi/

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Sydney, Australia: Short Films to Premiere at Flickerfest Both Indoors and Out

LateRooms.com can announce that ’s premier short film festival is set to take the city by storm next year.

Flickerfest is an annual event held at ’s first beachside cinema, the Bondi Pavilion.

Now in its 19th year, the film festival showcases the best home-grown talent alongside their international counterparts with a series of short films and documentaries depicting stories from around the world.

Screenings take place from January 8th to 17th and include a mixture of competition entries and those just for fun.

Daytime showings take place in an indoor cinema, but every evening, the 9pm showcase will be featured in the outdoor amphitheatre.

Single session tickets start from AU$13 (£7.30), however, any keen film buffs may want to purchase a season pass for AU$130 if they are planning to stay in accommodation in Sydney for the duration of the festival.

Following its opening run in the city, the films will go on show at a further 23 locations around the country.

Competition categories include the Audience Choice Short Film, the Best Australian Short Film and the Most Resourceful Film, with prizes ranging from technical equipment to cash.

The winner of last year’s Best Short Film award was director Mads Matthiesen, whose piece, entitled Dennis, was produced by Jonas Bagger of Denmark.

source-http://www.prleap.com/pr/144928/


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Sydney, Australia: Movie Enthusiasts Create a Stampede for Sydney Open Air Cinema

Movie goers crashed the website of the open air cinema by Harbour this morning in a buying frenzy that saw 25,000 tickets sold in the first half hour.

By 9.30am, just 30 minutes after tickets went on sale, many Sydneysiders were locked out of the St George OpenAir Cinema website while others helped themselves to more than half the 43,000 tickets available for the six-week schedule of movies at Mrs Macquaries Point.

By 9.45am the tally had risen to 26,000, a St George bank spokeswoman said.

The three most popular picks were premiere sessions for Bran Nue DaeInvictus and Nine, the spokeswoman said.

Tickets are also available directly from the Ticketmaster website.

The cinema offers a three-storey-high screen and a bar and restaurant. Cinemagoers are not allowed to take their own food.

Other open air theatres open this summer include Bondi Openair, North Sydney’s ME Bank Starlight Cinema, Centennial Park’s Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema, Homebush’s Movies in the Overflow and Tropfest in the Domain.

Georgina Robinson

source-http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/film/movie-madness-stampede-for-sydney-open-air-cinema/2009/12/17/1260639243730.html

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Eumundi, Queensland, Australia: The Polar Express Arrives For Outdoor Cinema Launch

To get you in the mood for Christmas, come along to the official launch of the Outdoor Cinema ‘Flicks in the Sticks’ with a screening of THE POLAR EXPRESS at Showgrounds next Friday 18 December.

“This is our first screening and we’re really excited,” says Flicks in the Sticks Director Steve Beardsley. “The Polar Express screening is a fundraiser for the Eumundi State School P & C Association.”

Gates open at 6pm, with the screening starting around 7pm. Moviegoers are advised to bring something to sit on – a picnic rug, chair, beanbag, or even a couch!

“We’ll have a candy bar open from 6pm – with choc-top ice-creams, popcorn and all the necessary movie munchies,” Steve says.

“Eumundi School P & C will be cooking up a storm with a sausage sizzle and bbq from 6pm too,” he says.

“As a opening night special, the cost is only $5 per person, and free for children under 3 years of age,” says Steve. “The price also includes a glow light for everyone – to add that extra Christmas sparkle.”

“Come along for what will be a great night – guaranteed to get you in the spirit of Christmas!

A bit about the movie…

A sure-fire fabulous family Christmas flick, The Polar Express is an inspiring adventure based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.

When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Cast Away), the film stars Tom Hanks in five distinct roles, including the role of Santa Claus.

It features incredible computer-animation and cutting-edge filmmaking techniques – and is sure to appeal to grown ups as well as kids.

The Flicks in the Sticks project acknowledges the generous support of Government Q150 celebrations, The Sunshine Coast Regional Council, and the Eumundi and District Historical Association.

source-http://www.mysunshinecoast.com.au/articles/article-display/the-polar-express-arrives-in-eumundi-for-outdoor-cinema-launch,15811

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Double Bay, New South Wales, Australia: Future of Roof-Top Cinema Still Up in the Air

A ROOFTOP cinema planned for has hit its first hurdle, meeting with a split vote at the Development Control Committee at Woollahra Council on Monday night.

The cinema, which the Fivex company wants to open on the roof of 376-382 New South Head Road, would have acoustic shielding and seat 150 people, all of whom would be provided with headphones. More than 600 people signed a petition supporting the plan; just ten wrote to council to speak against it.

However, council staff recommended it be refused, saying it exceeded floor space ratio restrictions, and the acoustic shielding, privacy screens, cinema screen and amenities would overlook residential properties next door at the Cosmopolitan Centre. The staff recommendation noted that while the cinema would have a benefit to the area, this would be overshadowed by its detrimental impacts.

At the committee meeting, Mayor Andrew Petrie, a longtime supporter of the project, voted for it to be passed, along with Crs Isabelle Schapiro, Chris Howe and Toni Zeltzer. In favour of its refusal were Crs Lucienne Edelman, Malcolm Young, Nicola Grieve and Susan Wynne.

Cr Wynne said that while she supported a cinema in Double Bay, it had been hard to ignore the staff recommendations.

“I think a cinema in Double Bay would be fantastic but the imposition on neighbours, it’s too great to overlook,” she said.

The applicant can now make changes before the plan goes before the full council on Monday.

“I’d love to come to council and see something different because I think Double Bay is desperate for something like this,” she said. “When I saw the staff recommendation I was disappointed, but just because its something a lot of people are saying they want, doesn’t mean we should overlook our planning controls.”

Jennifer Bennett

source-http://wentworth-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/open-air-cinema-rejected/

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Sydney, Australia: World Famous Harbor Home to Giant Outdoor Movie Screen

Show time … take in a movie and the spectacular harbour view at the St George OpenAir Cinema.

What do you do with one of the world’s most majestic harbour views? You erect a giant movie screen in front of it, haul up grandstand seating and direct people’s attention to films instead.

At least, you do if you run the St George OpenAir Cinema, which is expecting 66,000 people to visit Mrs Macquaries Point this summer to see it.

The managing director of Cinerent OpenAir, Rob Bryant, admits erecting a screen on the harbour foreshore is a bit decadent.

”It is a little over the top, unimaginable,” he says. ”It’s about celebrating the city we’re living in – and then there’s the bonus of having a film on top of it.”

The St George OpenAir Cinema offers a three-storey-high screen, new-release films and a bar and restaurant (patrons aren’t allowed to bring their own food) – and if this doesn’t appeal, there are five other regular open-air cinemas operating this summer. There’s the Bondi Openair, North ’s ME Bank Starlight Cinema, Centennial Park’s Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema, Homebush’s Movies in the Overflow and Tropfest in the Domain (see breakout box for details).

Location aside, what makes these cinemas different is their crowd, atmosphere and movie selection.

For example, in contrast to St George OpenAir’s grandstand seating, line-up of premiere and preview films and its advice to book ahead, Moonlight Cinema prides itself on having cult and classic movies and a relaxed feel.

”You can just roll up and you can usually get tickets at the gate,” Moonlight’s event director, Simon Bogle, says.

There are even doggie nights for those with cinephile canines.

”We did it last summer for the first time in years and it was just such a big hit with owners of dogs, so we thought we’d do it again,” Bogle says. ”The dogs were incredibly well behaved but we must have had hundreds of them there.”

Another attraction is the 15-metre by eight-metre inflatable screen.

”It’s a bit of theatre watching this thing inflate before your eyes before the movie starts,” Bogle says.

Jill Keyte, who started Starlight seven years ago and also uses an inflatable screen, agrees.

”When people come through the gate at Starlight there’s this sense of anticipation and they see the screen and there’s a lot of oohing and aahing,” she says.

Keyte says Starlight has more of a family vibe and this is reflected in its line-up, which includes Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Where the Wild Things Are.

As you’d expect from a beachside suburb, Bondi’s Openair has a few surf films in the mix and what it calls Sunset hour, when musicians play from 6.30 before each film.

When it comes to free films, go for Movies in the Overflow or Tropfes

source-http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/film/open-season/2009/12/10/1260034328468.html

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Grafton, New South Wales, Australia: Outdoor Perfect Fundraiser for One Public School

THE REAL BIG SCREEN: Public P&C; vice-president Karen Crispin with kindergarten student Bronte O’Loughlin, 6, sit in front of fellow students demonstrating how big the cinema screen will be for the Cinema Under the Stars.

A MOVIE screening under the stars in Grafton will go ahead as a fundraiser next Friday.

Karen Crispin, the vice-president of the Grafton Public School P and C, is the driving force behind the Cinema Under the Stars fundraiser for the school.

After the concept came up in conversation, Karen was determined to make it a must-attend event leading up to Christmas festivities.

“We wanted to do a fundraiser that was really different and that would be fun for the whole family,” she said.

“At this stage, the proceeds from the event will go to improving the technological tools of the school,” she said.

The Grafton Public School P and C will host a showing of Bedtime Stories, starring Adam Sandler, on an 8×4 metre inflatable screen on the Grafton High School oval.

If the weather turns bad, the program will go ahead on the main quadrangle at Grafton High School.

The fun program will begin at 5.30pm, with the movie at 7.30pm, depending on the amount of sunlight on the screen.

There will be a jumping castle, a Christmas ham wheel, a barbecue, snow cones, popcorn, cold drinks and fairy floss to keep everyone happy.

Ana Vlastaras

source-http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/story/2009/11/27/school-set-for-night-with-the-stars/

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Paddington, Australia: Outdoor Movie Line-Up Family Oriented at Belvedere Amphitheatre

Well met by moonlight

Centennial Park’s Belvedere Amphitheatre will again host the Moonlight Cinema from December 3, starting with Nowhere Boy, a film about the previously untold story of Beatles legend John Lennon’s childhood.

The movie list contains mostly family-friendly films, including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and new release The Time Traveller’s Wife.

The outdoor cinema closes on March 14 with a sci-fi thriller, Avatar.

source-http://wentworth-courier.whereilive.com.au/news/story/well-met-by-moonlight/

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