Next on our list of Top 25 Outdoor Movies of All Time, and perfect in time for summer, is Cool Runnings, a film about the Jamaican Bobsled team that went to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta. The movie is a really great pick that your entire community will love, and we’ll tell you why it deserves a spot on our Top 25 list, but first, here is the original theatrical trailer:

Cool Runnings is based on the true story of the Jamaican Bobsled team, who against all odds, qualified to race in the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Irving “Irv” Blitzer (John Candy), is an American expatriate who retired in Jamaica after two gold medals and an embarrassing scandal at the end of his career. Derice Bannock, a 100m top runner, who failed to place in the previous summer Olympic Games, approaches Irv along with his friends, hoping to encourage him to coach them as the first Jamaican Bobsled team. He finally consents, and begins training them over a three month period. When they arrive at the Olympics hoping to represent Jamaica in the bobsled competition, they are laughed at and scorned by their opponents, and some initial events cause them great embarrassment. But as the film continues, the group overcomes their challenges, and make history as they compete in the Olympics.

Cool Runnings is a film about community and perseverance and would be a great choice for any outdoor movie screening, whether you are hosting your own backyard cinema event on your Cinebox System, or an outdoor movie for your entire community! The film is appropriate for all ages, and is filled with funny moments (that will keep the kids laughing), as well as moments that might make you cry. Everyone loves this movie, and you are sure to draw a large crowd, especially when screening it under the stars.

The movie presents several opportunities for pre-show outdoor movie activities. In one scene, Irv has the team members sit in an ice cream cooler in order to better prepare themselves to the cold Canadian weather, while eating a popsicle. You could have popsicles and snow-cones as refreshment, and olympic “games” in the form of obstacles courses for the children! Prizes could be given from local businesses that are willing to sponsor your event (also a way to pay for your film licensing!). There are many ways to tie Cool Runnings into your pre-show activities and concessions, all of which will really make your night fun and memorable for all!

If anyone has screened Cool Runnings before, share your story by posting to the comments below! We’d love to hear about your event!

Flickerfest celebrates its 19th year as Australia’s only Academy® Award accredited Short Film festival, screening the best short films from Australia and the world in a unique and relaxed summer environment under the stars at Bondi Beach.

After two months touring Australia, it’s about to hit a local vineyard to celebrate its success over a glass of organic bubbly.

The Rosnay stop is part of a Flickerfest tour of 23 venues around Australia, and is a result of Rosnay securing the title of official wine supplier to the Bondi festival.

Flickerfest director, Bronwyn Kidd, said the festival is actively sourcing green and organic for all of its supplies, hence Rosnay’s appeal.

“For the last 19 years, Flickerfest has been a showcase of the inspirational and provocative Australian short film genre, and this year the organic wines and juices served in all of our bars will be a perfect match,” Ms Kidd said.

“We can’t wait to pop a cork of Rosnay’s delicious organic bubbly on the closing night.”

Rosnay wines are being served throughout the Festival at Bondi and on the National Tour, and now, at the home of the wines themselves.

Sam Statham, Rosnay, stressed Flickerfest is not two weeks of foreign language films.

It is one night of Australia’s leading short films that are the pick of the crop and specially curated for the Flickerfest national tour, appealing to all people who just like a good movie.

The films include Miracle Fish, recently nominated for an Academy award and Ralph, directed by Debboral Mailman, of Secret Life of Us fame.

“It’s a great event and the first time it’s been held out here and we are very excited,” Sam said.

“The event is being screened by Pics in the Sticks, on their big outdoor inflatable screen and we reckon we can easily fit 200 people on the front lawn at Richard and Florence’s house.

Read more….

Halifax is embracing winter with its first Waterfront Winterfest this weekend. The free outdoor festival will feature skating, curling, snowboarding, skiing and a giant screen to watch every second of Olympic glory, including the men’s hockey final and the closing ceremonies.
Caryla Lutz, event manager for Waterfront Development Corporation Ltd., says business is not traditionally booming on the waterfront in winter, so businesses decided to throw a booming party to lure Haligonians downtown Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“We are working on three venues on the waterfront,” says Lutz.
Bishop’s Landing will host “snow hackers” on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The “extreme snow sculpting demonstration” will feature a team of artists transforming two 10-foot snow blocks into Olympic-themed sculptures.
The parking lot behind the Waterfront Warehouse will be transformed into the CTV Winter Games Park. “This is the marquee area for the event,” Lutz says. The annual snowboarding and skiing favourite Urban Butter Showcase will move to the waterfront park to join the fun. Athletes will practice Friday and Saturday afternoon and compete Friday and Saturday night. The Warehouse will hold a cover-charge party after the event — the only part of the festival that’ll cost you money.
The park will have computers feeding live coverage from the Vancouver Olympics and a chance to volunteer for next year’s Canada Winter Games in Halifax. Curlers will offer demonstrations of their sport and even let visitors throw a rock or two while a ball-hockey tournament put on by the Halifax Sport and Social Club cranks up the energy.
“We have a huge, outdoor inflatable screen,” Lutz adds. As soon as it gets dark, it’ll will broadcast live from Vancouver. “That includes gold medal events, the men’s hockey final and the closing ceremonies.”
The area will also have an outdoor skating rink. “It’s synthetic ice. You can actually skate on this ice whether it’s minus 30 or plus 30,” she says. Skating is free and you need to bring your own skates — no rentals or shoes — but Feed Nova Scotia is taking donations.
“Waterfront Winterfest is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy some good, healthy fun, and by collecting non-perishable food items it’s also a great way to help others,” says Dianne Swinemar, executive director for Feed Nova Scotia.

Jon Tattrie

Read more…

“If people are in the building, they stop by and enjoy the Olympic feed,” said Thornton, adding that there have been no issues with the sound since Friday.

“Some days we have more activities planned. Friday, Saturday and Sunday we have the market place, live entertainment and concession stands outside so we see more activity.”

One employee also said the crowds that gather around the big screen tend to get bigger later in the day.

The biggest event the ARC LiveSite will be hosting is on Feb. 28 for the mens Olympic ice hockey gold medal game.

An inflatable screen will be placed in the ARC arena, taking up one-third of the ice surface, giving people who take part in the public skate and those in the stands a chance to watch the game on a much larger scale.

The 9th annual Whistler Film Festival will once again play host to the creative, and progressive in local and international filmmaking. Taking place from December 3-6 the Festival presents four exciting days of film, featuring movies from around the world, plus exclusive premieres, outdoor screenings, workshops, ski races, parties, celebrities, live music and prizes.

Over 80 films will be screened during the Festival, with more than 80 per cent being screened for the first time in British Columbia and a record 33 premieres. Special events at this year’s festival include a Tribute to Borsos Competition President and legendary Canadian director/producer Ivan Reitman, the Celebrity Challenge Dual Slalom Ski Race; a free Outdoor Screening which will include a showcase of ten Olympic-themed Whistler Stories followed by the musical documentary Neil Young Trunk Show. Tickets are on sale now, for further information, call 1.877.838.FILM (3456) or visit http://www.whistlerfilmfestival.com/.

Family fun and entertainment in Whistler during the festive season
The fun kicks off with the Whistler Holiday Experience, running from December 18-30, this FREE family fun zone is unparalleled for indoor entertainment. Running daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. over the holiday season at the Whistler Conference Centre, enjoy mini-golf, bouncy castles, kid’s movie screenings and video games for the whole family. Then on December 31 families can take part in Whistler’s 19th annual First Night. Whistler’s legendary come-one, come-all New Year’s Eve celebration takes over Whistler’s Village Stroll and the Whistler Conference Centre, to say goodbye to the old and to welcome the new. The event features an inspiring program of live music, storytelling, art workshops and street entertainment for people of all ages. Tickets available from December 1 at the Whistler Visitor Information Centre or online at http://www.whistlerfirstnight.com/.

NiX: Outdoor theatre performance – highlight of Cultural Olympiad in Whistler
Bundle up and enter Canada’s first theatre of snow and ice, constructed at Lost Lake in Whistler as The Only Animal presents NiX. This theatrical adventure – referred to by some reviewers as Cirque du Soleil on ice – follows a few survivors and an arsonist through the fireworks at the end of the world. NiX is a frozen fantasy, complete with a flaming tuba, a snowman death scene and an explosive love story that will melt the coldest of hearts. This is theatre for winter-lovers. Audience members can ski to the site or take a handy shuttle or drive, and enjoy pre-show drinks in the exclusive ice bar.

Source-http://www.travelvideo.tv/news/canada/12-02-2009/whats-new-in-whistler

As darkness falls upon the downtown on Oct. 23 and 24, prepare for the second annual Scare in the Square.

Such a fearsome success was last year’s event that organizers are making sure Harmony Square will once again be full of spooky activity designed to “scare the yell out of you,” said Lori-Dawn Cavin, who is organizing the fright nights.

“This is very much geared to families,” said Cavin, the city’s community events co-ordinator. “We want to get them downtown and give them a positive experience.”

The fun gets underway on Friday, Oct. 23 at 4:30 p. m., with the judging of the scarecrows entered by local businesses.

On Saturday, families are invited to trick or treat in the core beginning at 3 p. m. Trick-or-treaters are asked to register at the information kiosk in the square. Each child wearing a costume will receive a free trick or treat bag and a map listing the participating goodie sites. Costume judging will be held at 4:30 p. m.

At 5 p. m. on both nights, visitors can pull up a straw bale and enjoy hours of live entertainment. On the Bell Stage will be ghost stories; dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, led by the Academy of Dance; family entertainment by Freedom House; and theatre by Talk of the Town Productions. The haunting sounds of bands, including Two Year Toque, Monstereo and Flaming Youth -a tribute to Kiss -will also fill the square.

The scarefest wraps up with an outdoor movie -Casper the Friendly Ghost -shown on a giant inflatable screen. Bring your lawnchairs and an extra blanket or two.

“A family can come down and spend five hours being entertained and not spend a penny,” said Cavin.

Up to 1,500 people a night came out to last year’s Scare in the Square. Cavin said two major sponsors, BMO Bank of Montreal and Nesbitt Burns, have committed support to the festival for the next three years, allowing organizers to add to the fun.

The first 100 children to arrive each night will have a chance to visit Casper’s Craft Corner to paint their own pumpkin -donated by Brantwood Farms -to take home.

Tractor-drawn hayrides, at a cost of $3, will make a stop at a secret pumpkin patch to hear a shocking tale offered by the Brant Taletellers.

The Brantford Arts Block dares visitors to brave the Scare in the Square Haunting when the Bodega Inn is transformed into a hotel of terror. The cost is $3.

The Brant Historical Society is once again offering spirited walks through the downtown on both nights. For $2, the lamplight tour guides will provide interesting details about the core’s nooks and crannies.

New this year is the BMO Booville, located in the Market Street Bank of Montreal parking lot on both nights beginning at 5 p. m. Created especially for the youngest visitors, activities include a straw maze.

Michelle Ruby

source-http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2119625

Friday night I cozied up inside our car with a warm sweater and a cool fall air breezing through the cracked windows as I did something fewer and fewer people get to do these days.

I went to a drive-in movie.

The NBCC Year 2 animation students hosted the event in the parking lot of the school and families, teens and twenty-somethings came out.

It was a fundraiser for their trip to Ottawa.

It was wonderful to see the young ones running to the canteen in their pyjamas—one person in our car even had the good sense to wear slippers.

The students put the shows on for free and only asked for donations.

They put a lot of work into the project getting the screen built and promoting the event and tons of cars came out.

They also sat out in the cold all night, bundled in blankets and having a good time while making sure everyone else was taken care of—selling everything from popcorn to hot chocolate and pizza.

With cold weather just around the corner I’m not sure if another outdoor movie night is in store for NBCC, but I for one hope they keep it up and I commend them from bringing a little much needed inexpensive, outdoor entertainment to the city. It is events like these that bring new life and character to a city that often neglects targeting a younger crowd being drawn to the Miramichi.

Fredericton has a similar outdoor Under the Stars Film Series hosted by the NB Film Co-op, also free, that started with a small fan base and now draws huge crowds of people of all ages—from kids sitting out on blankets to the university crowd, to seniors looking to see an old classic.

Sadly, drive-in theatres as businesses are going the way of the dodo, so it’s nice to see some small groups rejuvenating the outdoor theatre.

There’s nary one left in New Brunswick.

The Cape Breton Drive-In, where I still frequent most summers when I go home for vacation, just renovated their bathrooms so it seems they are doing very well.

The owners have played up on the nostalgia which could be key to their success. The old canteen commercials play during intermission of the newest releases every night.

Women and kids from the 50s and 60s share their hot dog and cotton candy or fight over fries. The best is a clip of two boys fighting over french fries only to each be given a carton.

“Here’s one happy fellow…and here’s another,” says the narrator as the boys munch away with black eyes.

Though the drive-in became hugely popular in the 50s, the first was created by a man in New Jersey in the 1930s.

The original slogan was “The whole family is welcome, no matter how noisy the kids are.”

Which is kind of the perfect selling point. In fact, I still don’t understand why drive-ins have become so decidedly unpopular. There’s nothing more annoying than when the person in front of you at the regular movie theatre is talking loudly—and, let’s face it, it’s equally annoying when you are the one getting shushed. But being in your car with your honey or your friends means you can talk as much or as little as you like, watch as little or as much of the movie as you like—and not bother anyone else.

I suppose some of the argument for the decline in popularity is the invention of VCRs and DVDs that allow you to watch movies at home at your own leisure from the comfort of your couch.

But drive-ins serve as the perfect median—you get privacy, but you still feel like you are getting out for a night on the town.

So here’s a big thank you to NBCC for getting me up off the couch and creating a fun movie night for us film buffs.

Laura MacInnis

source-http://miramichileader.canadaeast.com/leisure/article/818347

I would like to extend a huge thank you to the many businesses who sponsored, advertised and participated, the community groups that helped and volunteered, the Delta Parks, Recreation and Culture staff for their help, and the public at large for supporting our second Tsawwassen Outdoor Movie Nights this past summer.

The weather didn’t fully cooperate on two of the nights but the Tsawwassen crowd showed their love for these events by showing up even when we had to change the venue due to unsettled weather conditions.

Thanks, also, to the South Delta Baptist Church for saving us at the last minute.

These events have proven to be much more than just a night to watch a great movie under the stars. This is a night were families and friends, neighbours and visitors gather for the common purpose of having a good time.

The events start with music, games, demos, activities and a chance to visit with local businesses and groups.

It gives us a chance to feature local bands to entertain and it also gives us an opportunity to raise funds for great local charities and projects.

Once the sun sets those interested in watching the movie gather up their chairs and blankets and enjoy the show.

As a business community, we are pleased that we can offer these events that cross age boundaries and allow us all to enjoy and celebrate the beautiful community we live in.

I am happy to inform the public the BIA board of directors is committed to bringing these events for a third year to Tsawwassen. With the support of our sponsors, advertisers and the community we will be able to enjoy three more wonderful nights of fun on July 24, August 7 and 21, 2010.

Our theme next year will be adventure movies so we invite the public to start thinking of titles and send their suggestions. Photos are also posted on the BIA website at www.shoptsawwassen.com.

Gimli Film Festival official website

This summer marked the 9th year of the Gimli Film Festival (GFF) in Gimli, Manitoba. Over the years, the festival has gained notoriety as one of the most beautiful venues in Canada, as it uses outdoor cinema screenings on the shores of Lake Winnepeg to capitalize on the natural beauty of Gimli.

Each July, a 35-foot outdoor movie screen is erected out of the waters of Lake Winnepeg, and festival-goers can enjoy over 80 documentaries, shorts, and full-length features throughout the film festival. The landscape and venue are truly one-of-a-kind, but the festival selections are also top-notch, showcasing some of the best cinema that Canada has to offer. This year’s film selections included Pontypool, Waterlife, One Week, and Happy-Go-Lucky.

As the sun sets in Gimli, crowds of local residents, filmmakers, and celebrity guests make their way to the beach, armed with blankets and chairs. There, under the stars and northern lights they are presented with new worlds and new experiences through the art, education, and entertainment of cinema. The outdoor film festival is an integral part of the artistic and cultural landscape of not only Gimli, but Manitoba and Canada as well. The festival strives to bring relevant topics and current issues to light for discussion among filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike. The festival is focused on evocative and revolutionary cinema, but is grounded in the natural splendors of the area; outdoor movie screenings, receptions, and lake-side parties create the festival experience on the shores of Lake Winnepeg.

Each night of the festival, outdoor cinema screenings begin at sundown, and on most nights the stars and northern lights are clearly visible, creating a unique movie-watching experience. Local talent as well as Canada’s best will be showcased. Audiences will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite film at each feature.

Admission prices to each screening range from $6 to $8, with an All Access Pass available for $60.00. There is also an All Access Pass PLUS, which is $75.00, and provides access to the Open Night and Closing Night parties as well.

Festival attendees should bring a blanket or low-backed chair, as well as warm clothing.

Gimli Film Festival official website

After much community anticipation, the Outdoor Movie Nights are beginning again in Tsawwassen, British Columbia. This first of three outdoor cinema screenings will take place this Saturday at Diefenbaker Park. After the extreme popularity of the events in past years, the Business Improvement District is striving to make this year’s outdoor film nights the best they’ve seen yet. Each screening will include pre-show entertainment that will be fun for the whole family. For example, one night will feature a raffle with high-interest items such as a Shrek the Third movie poster signed by all the animators of the film. You will also get a chance to see local dance groups, bands, and kids activities like bouncy castles and crafts. There will also be a very unique addition you will not want to miss: the Olympic Torch will be on display to see and take pictures with!

Movie-goers should bring chairs and blankets to the outdoor movie, and remember that concessions will be for sale. The outdoor cinema will start opening up for activities and seating around 6:30pm, and the movie will start at sundown.

Outdoor Movie Schedule:
August 8 -Grease
August 22 -Shrek the Third (at the Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall)
September 5 -Ghostbusters

click here for more info

If you’re looking for outdoor movies in Winnepeg, look no further: Old Market Square will again host their “Moonlight Movies in the Exchange” for family-friendly entertainment. Free Hollywood blockbusters will be shown on an inflatable screen each Friday night. These downtown movies will begin around 9:30pm. Movie-goers can look forward to classic films such as Ghostbusters and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. There will also be music videos by The Kids of IRCOM prior to the outdoor cinema screening. There is a chance of rain this week so dress accordingly, but otherwise it should be a really fun evening for the whole family!

Photo Credit: Mopars in the Mountains

This Saturday a car show and outdoor movie will be held in Cranbrook, British Columbia. It’s going to be a whole flashback to the drive-in days with classic cars and the appropriately-paired outdoor cinema screening of American Graffiti. The car show and outdoor movie on an inflatable screen is presented by Southern Mopar Owners Group (SMOG). The “Mopars in the Mountains” car show has occurred in the past but they are trying to make it even bigger and better than past years.

“Moir Park is a gorgeous spot for a car show,” said Mike Stanko, one of the organizers. “We offer a nice show on a large grassy field with a beautiful view of the mountains. The view is absolutely breathtaking.” (BC Local News).

Here is all the info you need to know:

If you want to show your own classic car, you’ll need to register on Friday at the Lordco parking lot.

From 11am to 4pm on Saturday the car show will take place along with a swap meet.

Afterword, there will be an awards show and $10 dinner.

The drive-in movie begins at 9pm and costs $5 per person, but kids get in free.

You can watch the movie from your car drive-in style, or sit on the grass or bleachers in front of the inflatable screen.

It should be a pretty cool event so be sure to come out, even if you don’t have a spiffy car to show off. American Graffiti is a classic car show film and a good choice for their outdoor movie presentation. From what I understand, the Mopars in the Mountains Car Show has been pretty popular in past years so be sure to get there early to stake out a good spot for the drive in movie.

For updated information, visit www.moparsinthemountains.com.