Shadow Electric Announces 2016 Outdoor Film Program

You know it's summer in Melbourne when the outdoor cinemas start flickering back to life. In the past few weeks we've seen brand spanking new programs from the folks at Rooftop Cinema, Moonlight Cinema, Lido on the Roof and the newly opened QV Outdoor Cinema. And now Shadow Electric are getting in on the action, dropping their own rock-solid lineup of recent and retro films along with a selection of music documentaries, live gigs and killer grub to match.

Located within the grounds of Abbotsford Convent, Shadow Electric will kick off its four-month season on January 2 with the Australian premiere of New World Towers, which chronicles the unexpected reunion of '90s Britpop legends Blur. It's one of several films in rotation aimed specifically at music lovers, with features like Eden and Straight Outta Compton appearing alongside concert films such as The Last Waltz and Stop Making Sense.

The remainder of the program consists mostly of recent releases, including Spectre, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Martian, Macbeth and The Dressmaker, plus a smattering of nostalgic faves in the form of The Breakfast Club, The Big Lebowski and a Valentine's Day showing of Dirty Dancing. Select dates will also play host to live shows in the bandroom — keep your eyes on the Shadow Electric website for more on that front.

This year will also see the venue partner with the guys behind Longhorn, Le Bon Ton and Chingon for pre-film food offerings. Talk about a step up from overpriced candy bar popcorn.

Tickets for the first half of Shadow Electric's 2016 program will go on sale later today. For more information, hit up their website.