Media release – City of Hobart, 15 August 2023
Cinema under the stars
Back by popular demand the City of Hobart presents the pop-up drive-in cinema at the Royal Hobart Regatta Grounds for three big nights of film magic.
Three feature-length films will be shown over three nights on a 10m-wide outdoor screen.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said while the event was family friendly, everyone was welcome.
“Last year we had couples out on a date night, young people on their P’s getting together with their mates as well as families looking for some fun for the kids,” Cr Reynolds said.
“It’s not just about the movies. It’s also about the atmosphere. There is something nostalgic about a drive-in cinema, even if you were too young to experience it the first time around.”
Creative City Portfolio Chair Cr John Kelly said it was a great opportunity for kids and young people to experience a cultural phenomenon from the past.
“Watching a film under the stars in your own vehicle is a magical experience,” Cr Kelly said.
“You can bring your own snacks or make the most of the food vans serving hot food, desserts, non-alcoholic drinks and movie classics such as popcorn.”
The three-night program will kick off on Friday with cult classic romance the Princess Bride.
On Saturday, the animated adventure Happy Feet from Australian director George Miller, follows Mumble, an emperor penguin who while unable to sing can tap dance brilliantly.
Finally, the much-loved Spielberg classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial will round out the weekend on Sunday evening.
Admission is free but space is limited and will be allocated on a first-in, first-served basis.
When: Friday 18 August 7pm, Saturday 19 August 7pm and Sunday 20 August 6.30pm
Where: Royal Hobart Regatta Grounds, McVilly Drive, Hobart
Gates open at 6pm for 7pm screenings on Friday and Saturday night, and open 5.30pm Sunday for a 6.30pm start.
Hobart Drive-in Cinema is a free event, and part of the City’s Out in the Open program designed to get you out of the house and into Hobart’s parks and streets.
Hobartcity.com.au/out-in-the-open
Please see the FAQ’s below to help you plan your night at the Drive-In.
Friday 18 August, 7 pm – The Princess Bride (PG) 1h 38m
Cars can begin queuing 5.30 pm. Gates open 6 pm.
A bedridden boy’s grandfather reads him the story of a farm boy-turned-pirate who encounters numerous obstacles, enemies and allies in his quest to be reunited with his true love. It has everything. Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love and miracles!
Saturday 19 August, 7 pm – Happy Feet (G) 1h 48m
Cars can begin queuing 5.30 pm. Gates open 6 pm.
Set in the cold land of Antarctica, the film follows Mumble, an emperor penguin who, despite his lacking the ability to sing the heart song to attract a soul mate, is able to tap dance brilliantly. Continuously ridiculed and rejected by his peers and his own father, Mumble departs on a journey to learn what is causing the local fish population to decline… and to find himself along the way. From Australian director George Miller.
Sunday 20 August, 6.30 pm – E.T. (PG) 1h 45m
Cars can begin queuing 5 pm. Gates open 5.30 pm.
After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Bringing the extra-terrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother and little sister Gertie, and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien. Directed by Steven Spielberg.
