BY JASMINE PALMA
Queens Borough President Sharon Lee announced the start of “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In,” a series of seven drive-in film screenings at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
The drive-in theater is part of a multi-borough drive-in film festival, in partnership with NYC Parks, the New York City Comptroller, Rooftop Films, the New York Hall of Science, the Museum of the Moving Image, and the Queens Night Market. Free screenings will run for seven consecutive Wednesdays from Aug. 19 to Sept. 30.
“It certainly has been an unusual New York summer without concerts and other large-scale events at our beloved city parks, like the ‘Only in Queens Summer Festival’ in prior years,” Lee said. “Together with key partners, we’re delighted to bring this series of free movie nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In as a fun throwback for the ‘Borough of Families,’ while prioritizing safety in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.”
“Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a vibrant community hub that offers a welcoming escape from stress and anxiety,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver. “We’re proud to host this exciting film series for Queens residents and families to enjoy. Special thanks to our partners for their commitment to prioritizing safety and bringing a new summertime tradition to this historic park.”
Financially supporting “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In,” the nonprofit Flushing Meadow Park Improvement Fund provided $70,000 for the screenings. The Fund is overseen by Lee, Silver, and Comptroller Scott M. Stringer.
Pre-registration will be required, available two weeks prior to each showing. The event has a 200-vehicle limit per screening. Registration is available here. A display of registration confirmation, whether a printed copy or via mobile device, is required for entry.
Social distancing will be enforced. Guests arriving by foot and unregistered vehicles will not gain admission. Contactless purchase of food and beverages will be available through vendors that participate in the Queens Night Market, an annual event held in the New York Hall of Science parking lot but postponed due to the pandemic.
“We know that an unprecedented number of New York City businesses have closed or will close as a direct result of this pandemic, so we’re always looking for opportunities to help our vendors stay afloat during these challenging times,” said Queens Night Market Founder John Wang. “Our Fuel the Frontlines initiative with Borough President Lee earlier this year was a fantastic success for a really great cause, and we’re delighted to partner again with the borough president and with our usual host, the New York Hall of Science, for this drive-in movie series. Great food along with great film!”
In an eclectic collection, the series of drive-ins will feature a series of different films. Features will be displayed in a 60-foot screen and will be shown regardless of the weather. Short films, some by local filmmakers, will be displayed before the main film.
The screening schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, Aug. 19: “John Lewis: Good Trouble” (2020)
- Wednesday, Aug. 26: “Up” (2009)
- Wednesday, Sept. 2: “The Lunchbox” (2013)
- Wednesday, Sept. 9: “WALL-E” (2008)
- Wednesday, Sept. 16: “The Farewell” (2019)
- Wednesday, Sept. 23: “Iron Man” (2008)
- Wednesday, Sept. 30: “Men in Black” (1997)
For a detailed description of the event, click here.
