By Zach Goins
June 25, 2020
For movie lovers across the country, the last three months have proven difficult thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With theater doors closed, fans have been stuck rewatching old favorites or exploring new releases on streaming services, but thanks to Michael B. Jordan and Amazon Studios, you’ll soon have a chance to change up the scenery on your next movie night.
The studio and Jordan’s production company Outlier Society on Thursday announced the creation of ‘A Night at the Drive-In,’ a free summer screening series at 20 drive-in theaters across America. In Charlotte, cinephiles will be able to make the short trip to Abemarle’s Badin Drive-In.
Beginning Wednesday, July 1, the theaters will provide double features every other week featuring a slate of films curated by Jordan himself that each celebrate multicultural voices in cinema. The ten films will be paired by genre, creating five themed movie nights, ranging from comedies to films tackling social justice. First up on the schedule are “Movies to make you fall in love,” featuring Love & Basketball and Crazy Rich Asians. Other titles include Black Panther, Creed, Hook, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Do The Right Thing, Get Out, Coming to America and Girls Trip.
As political and social activism continues to grip the U.S. following the death of George Floyd, Jordan said now was the perfect time to put a spotlight on films created by and focused on people of color.
“With this drive-in summer series, I hope that friends and families are able to not only enjoy, but to learn and grow,” Jordan said in a press release. “Now more than ever, amplifying Black and Brown stories means engaging culture to speak to hearts and minds about the world we live in. As we use this opportunity to reimagine community and proximity, I am excited that these films will be shared and celebrated all across the country.”
Jennifer Salke, the head of Amazon Studios, added that on top of the need to share these stories, the nature of a drive-in theater provided the perfect environment for a safe viewing experience.
“When Michael and our friends at Outlier proposed this idea, we instantly agreed there was no better time to celebrate these inspired films featuring diverse stories while bringing communities together to share in the experience,” Salke said. “Drive-in theaters offer a unique experience in that they provide an inspiring and joyful communal experience while still maintaining safe social distance.”
In addition to free admission, guests will also be provided with refreshments from Black and Brown-owned businesses, including Path Water, Pipcorn Popcorn and Partake Cookies.
While admission to each screening is free of charge, guests must still visit the website and download a pass in order to reserve a spot.
Full Schedule:
July 1 – Movies to Make You Fall in Love
Love & Basketball and Crazy Rich Asians
July 15 – Movies that Make You Proud
Black Panther and Creed
July 29 – Movies to Inspire Your Inner Child
Hook and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
August 12 – Movies to Make You Open Your Eyes
Do The Right Thing and Get Out
August 26 – Movies to Make You Laugh
Coming to America and Girls Trip
Check out the full list of participating locations and reserve your free pass by visiting ANightAtTheDriveIn.com. Although this event does require registration, the parking spaces will be available on a first come first serve basis.
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