QV Cinema

Overview

With the recent launch of the Lido's first ever rooftop cinema, Moonlight Cinema's announcement of their huge summer program, and the continuing reign of the likes of Rooftop Cinema, Shadow Electric, Coburg Drive-In et al, Melbourne's furiously enthusiastic love for cinema under the stars isn't waning anytime soon. There's a new outdoor cinema in town: QV Cinema.

Yep, usually the realm of hectic shopping sprees, QV Melbourne is launching its own openair cinema, with summer screenings every Thursday to Sunday night from December to February. It's an intimate 80-seat deckchair cinema on the astroturf outside the Queen Victoria Women's Centre, and the whole program is curated by Melbourne filmmaker and film programmer Gus Berger, who runs Red Hot Shorts at ACMI.

Expect festive films in December (think Home Alone, Bad Santa, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Elf), Australian films around Australia Day, a focus on Melbourne independent films, alongside '80s favourites and selected special event films with pre-film live performances (there'll be a dog costume parade before Best in Show on December 12, and an Australian Shakespeare Company performance before Romeo + Juliet on December 10). With tickets at $12 each, it's a pretty budget-friendly date option for the summer.

Opening night is happening on Tuesday, December 1, and it's pretty fittingly fashion-themed: The Devil Wears Prada. Best bit? Opening night is completely free, you just have to register on the QV Cinema website. 'Acrobatic elves' will be performing roving tricks to hurtle you face first into the Christmas spirit, and Melbourne DJ Chiara Kickdrum will be on the decks.

QV Cinema screenings are happening at QV Melbourne on Thursday to Sunday nights, December 2015 to February 2016. Opening night is happening on Tuesday, December 1 and is free with registration. Tickets for all other screenings are $12. Tickets and full program available from November 23 via the QV Cinema website.

Check out Melbourne's best outdoor cinemas over here.