300 films to be screened at 2016 ‘Movies Under the Stars’

De Blasio Announces Expansion of Free Outdoor Citywide Series

May 3, 2016 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

“Movies Under the Stars,” a free outdoor series, will screen 300 films throughout the city this summer. Photo: Malcolm Pinckney, NYC Parks

Movies Under The Stars. Photo: Malcolm Pinckney, NYC Parks

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New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin and Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver have announced a major expansion of the “Movies Under the Stars” series, doubling last year’s total number of film screenings. For the first time ever, this program will bring 300 films to parks across the five boroughs — including many parks that will host screenings for the first time.

Throughout the summer months, parks in the five boroughs will host screenings of classic films like “Casablanca,” “Moonstruck” and “The Blues Brothers,” as well as new favorites, like “Star Wars — The Force Awakens,” “Inside Out” and “Brooklyn.” The announcement comes as “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” is scheduled to screen at East Williamsburg’s Cooper Park, a park receiving programming for the first time, on Thursday, May 5.

“‘Movies Under the Stars’ gives New Yorkers in every borough the opportunity to engage with film in a collective and meaningful way,” said de Blasio. “Our administration is committed to increasing access to family-friendly cultural opportunities, and this partnership is a perfect example of this work. I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of this fun and free summer program.”

“There’s nothing quite like the experience of watching a film outdoors, and we’re so glad to once again be increasing support for the ‘Movies Under the Stars’ program for the 2016 season,” said Menin. “The entertainment industry is a vital component of our city’s economy, and we’re proud to be attracting more filming activity than ever before. This initiative is an opportunity for us to thank City residents for hosting filming in their communities, and to provide New Yorkers with increased access to culturally-diverse, thought-provoking programming.”

“We are happy to once again present outdoor movies to New Yorkers across the five boroughs and we want them to enjoy this experience to the fullest,” said Silver. “Each year we try to add more films and include more locations so that everyone has an opportunity to come out and catch a movie in a park. This year, ‘Movies Under the Stars’ will show a total of 300 films. We encourage friends, families, residents and neighbors of every community, to take advantage of this moment.”

“‘Movies Under the Stars’ is yet another initiative to make our city’s public spaces more accessible and enjoyable for residents across the five boroughs,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “I encourage all New Yorkers to make use of this program to enjoy great films and our city’s beautiful parks.”

Returning for a second year as part of this initiative is “TV Under the Stars,” which allows New Yorkers to share in the excitement of network TV’s fall premiere season. Parks around the city will host screenings of brand-new shows before they officially air, and events will include special guests and other exciting activities. More details about “TV Under the Stars” will be available closer to the start of premiere season in September.

“It’s showtime in Brooklyn, where an expanded ‘Movies Under the Stars’ will allow more families across the borough to enjoy a summer evening in our beautiful parks,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “These movies are a wonderful — and free — opportunity to relax with your neighbors while watching the coolest classics and hottest blockbusters.”

“Movies Under the Stars” is the annual summer movie series presented by the New York City government. Through this program, New Yorkers are encouraged to pack a picnic, grab a blanket and enjoy a movie in a neighborhood park. Movies are hosted in all five boroughs and begin at dusk.

The most up-to-date schedule of screenings and locations is available at nyc.gov/MoviesUnderTheStars.