47-01 111th St
Queens
NY 11368
A Queens native’s box office blockbuster, classic kids flicks and the timely tale of a civil rights icon are just some of the films to be enjoyed by Queens families this socially distant summer at Acting Borough President Sharon Lee’s “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In” — a series of seven free, drive-in film screenings on the grounds of the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Part of a larger, comprehensive, multi-borough drive-in film festival, the series of free screenings in Queens will run for seven consecutive Wednesdays, beginning August 19 with a screening of “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” a newly-released documentary chronicling the life of The Honorable John Lewis, the civil rights champion and longtime member of Congress who passed away last month.
The free movie nights in Queens are presented in proud partnership with NYC Parks, the New York City Comptroller, Rooftop Films, the New York Hall of Science, Museum of the Moving Image, and the Queens Night Market.
The slate of “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In” includes an eclectic mix of smash hits, new releases, popular children’s movies and fantastical favorites for all Queens families to enjoy. A series of short films, some produced by local filmmakers, will also be shown prior to each main feature.
Social distancing will be strictly enforced, and neither guests arriving on foot nor those who have not registered in advance will be permitted.
Space is limited with a capacity of approximately 200 vehicles. Pre-registration is required for each screening of the “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In”, and opens two weeks prior to each showing via www.queensdrivein.com. Upon registration, guests will receive a confirmation, which must either be presented via printed copy or mobile device upon arrival.
The full schedule of “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In” is as follows:
· Wednesday, August 19: “John Lewis: Good Trouble” (2020)
· Wednesday, August 26: “Up” (2009)
· Wednesday, September 2: “The Lunchbox” (2013)
· Wednesday, September 9: “WALL-E” (2008)
· Wednesday, September 16: “The Farewell” (2019)
· Wednesday, September 23: “Iron Man” (2008)
· Wednesday, September 30: “Men in Black” (1997)
The “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In” — featuring a 60-foot screen constructed in the NYSCI parking lot — will open to pre-registered attendees at 7:30PM, one hour before the film screenings begin at 8:30PM. Exact timing is subject to change, and the film screenings will be held rain or shine.
Food and beverages will be available for contactless purchase through featured vendors that participate in the seasonal Queens Night Market, held annually at the NYSCI parking lot in Flushing Meadows Corona Park but currently postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Food and beverages can be purchased via contactless ordering during pre-show programming or via stadium-style vendors walking the premises before the main feature.
Providing $70,000 in financial support for the “Free Wednesday Movie Nights at the 2020 Queens Drive-In” is the non-profit Flushing Meadows Corona Park Improvement Fund, which is jointly overseen by Borough President Lee, Commissioner Silver and Comptroller Stringer.
—-
About “John Lewis: Good Trouble” (2020)
PG | 1h 36min | Documentary
Released last month, this Dawn Porter-directed documentary chronicles the life and legacy of The Honorable John Lewis, one of the most prominent leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and later a longtime member of Congress representing Georgia’s 5th District until his death on July 17. The film explores Lewis’ upbringing and storied career through rare footage and interviews with Lewis, his family, political leaders and other prominent figures.