Overview
When it comes to watching films in the open air when the weather is warm, Brisbane's trusty go-to is Moonlight Cinema, which screens from November through to February each year. Looking for somewhere to catch a flick under the stars this autumn instead? From Thursday, March 23–Thursday, April 27, Sunset Cinema returns to the River City as part of its national tour, making Northshore Hamilton's Maritime Green its new home.
Maybe it's the twilight glow. Perhaps it's the stars twinkling above. Or, it could be the cooling breeze, the picnic blankets and beanbags as far as the eye can see, and just seeing a movie grace a giant screen with a scenic backdrop. When the weather is warm enough, as it is for much of the year in Brisbane, a trip to the cinema just seems to shine brighter when it's outdoors for all of these reasons and more — and that's what's on offer in Hamilton for just over a month.
Kicking off the Northshore run is Magic Mike's Last Dance and its lusty thrills — and it pops up on the program again later in the season, too. Or, viewers can enjoy the John Wick franchise's latest outing, The Menu's savage take on the restaurant trade, 2022 blockbusters Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water, and a retro double feature of Clueless and Mean Girls. It's an eclectic array of flicks, clearly.
Other titles include the Tom Hanks-starring A Man Called Otto, Marvel's new Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Adam Driver fighting dinosaurs in 65 and the old Hollywood excess of Babylon. Or, get blast from the pasts with 10 Things I Hate About You and a sing-along session of the animated The Lion King.
No matter where it heads — with its full 2022–23 itinerary covering one stop in Canberra, three in New South Wales, two in Victoria and one in Queensland — this excuse to see a movie under the stars pairs new and classic titles with a setup perfect for cosy date nights or an easy group hangs outdoors. Sunset Cinema's Brisbane stop takes movies back to a place that's hosted them before, dating back as far as a pop-up Brisbane International Film Festival drive-in over a decade ago.
BYO picnics are encouraged here, but the event is fully licensed, so alcohol can only be purchased onsite. Didn't pack enough snacks? There'll be hot food options, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn. And, on Fridays and Saturdays, Eat Street Northshore is right next door.
Sunset Cinema screens at Northshore Hamilton's Maritime Green from Thursday, March 23–Thursday, April 27. Head to the Sunset Cinema website for further details.
Top image: Northshore Hamilton, Brisbane Festival.