Boise, Idaho: An Open Plea for Outdoor Movies in Boise

The day is looming when some film writer will pen the drive-in movie theater’s obituary. In Boise, that day has long passed.

Instead, focus on the next generation of al fresco film: the outdoor movie series. In Manhattan, Bryant Park’s summer film series packs out the green space every Monday. Chicago’s Grant Park does the same on Tuesdays. Seattle has the Freemont Outdoor Cinema, Portland has Flicks on Bricks — and Boise has Satchel’s Grill.

Every Friday night in Meridian, with help from sponsor CableONE, Meridian Parks and Recreation inflates a giant screen and projects a free family movie in Settlers Park. Twelve weeks, 12 movies, zero admission fee.

The city of Boise maintains close to 4,000 acres of park space. So why not an outdoor film series? Find a sponsor willing to pay the annual licensing fee, reserve a park, invite everyone.

Boise has its own international film festival, its own Wild West cinema festival, and the occasional movie star keeping a local address. It’s time for an outdoor film series to go with them.