Hunters Point South Park is hosting a free screening of “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” on Saturday, Aug. 27, as part of the park’s summer movie series.
The movie will begin at sundown, which is at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The screening is part of Hunters Point Parks Conservancy’s (HPPC) signature movie series, CinemaLIC. The series has been running for seven years.
Rob Basch, president of HPPC, said the idea was conceived to bring the community together.
“We started the movies in 2014 and we’ve been running movies every year since, except for 2020 due to Covid. We’ve been doing it for many years, it’s really popular. It’s a great way to get the community together. People enjoy it, bring a blanket, picnic, hanging out, and it’s an amazing view,” Basch said.
The movies are screened on the Long Island City waterfront, with the city’s skyline as the backdrop.
“The screen is kind of set up on the waterfront with the Empire State Building on one side and the Chrysler Building on the other,” Basch said.
Basch said that will the crowd is dependent on the weather, turnout has been high throughout the summer.
“In July we did ‘Blank Panther’ also, had a nice big crowd for that. We had almost 800 people at our film a few weeks ago, a James Bond (film). Turnout has been good,” Basch said.
Basch said that the movie series attracts a crowd of all ages and that the park screen children’s movies as well.
“You’ve got young, old, families — obviously, it does depend on the movie. In September, we’re doing a Disney movie so there will be a younger crowd there,” Basch said. “It’s a mix; I think it reflects the diversity of Queens.”
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, but local Woodside restaurant, F. Ottomanelli Burgers & Belgian Fries, will have a stand at the screenings.
“Ottomanellis has taken over the concession area in the park. You can bring in your own stuff of course but they have their burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, and everything else there to purchase,” Basch said.
The final movie in the series will be “Encanto,” which will be screened on Friday, Sept. 9.
