Overview
If you're programming an openair cinema by the beach, which movies are a must-see? When Sunset Cinema hits Bondi Pavilion from November 2023, Jaws, Blue Crush and Finding Nemo tick the oceanside picture palace boxes. If you're showing flicks in the lead up to Christmas, what else has to get a whirl? Cue Home Alone, Die Hard and Elf, of course. And, if you're setting up shop in a year where Barbie had Ken declare that his job is "beach", you really need to show that as well. Get ready, Sydney cinephiles — all of the above are covered in Sunset Cinema's debut Bondi program.
As first announced in September, cinema will join sun, surf and sand as one of the best things to enjoy at Bondi from Friday, November 17, which is when Sunset Cinema heads to Dolphin Court. There'll be bean bags to sit on. There'll be a bar serving boozy beverages, food trucks dishing up bites and popcorn as a snack option. There'll be movies under the stars, of course, with the full lineup just dropping.
Bondi Pavilion
The season will get started with My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, then also show recent releases such as Asteroid City, A Haunting in Venice, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Past Lives. They aren't out yet, but Saltburn and The Marvels will be by the time that Sunset Cinema rolls around.
Among the water-themed titles, Ground Swell: The Other Side of Fear and Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl are also on the bill. And, amid the festive flicks, so are The Holiday, Love Actually and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Also going retro: Dirty Dancing. In other words, there's plenty to watch — all under the beachside sky.
Sunset Cinema is no stranger to Sydney. Over the summer of 2022–23, it screened in St Ives and also North Sydney, with a season at the latter also on the itinerary again from January 2024. Getting its projectors spinning at Bondi Pavilion is a brand-new addition to its lineup, however, and an exciting one.
Film lovers can get their al fresco flick fix until Saturday, December 23, with Sunset Cinema screening from Monday–Saturday.
"We are excited to bring our unique brand of entertainment to the Bondi community this summer," said Sunset Cinema's General Manager Brad Garth, announcing the Bondi Beach season.
"The Sunset Cinema movie experience is all about delivering quality entertainment that everyone can enjoy. We can't wait to launch the perfect summer event at Australia's most iconic beach."
Sunset Cinema will take its openair flicks to seven locations across Australia's east coast over the summer of 2023–24, including Wollongong, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne.
At all stops around the country, BYO picnics are encouraged; however, the event is fully licensed, which means alcohol can only be purchased onsite. And if you don't pack enough snacks, that's where the hot food options, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn, come in.
Sunset Cinema will hit Dolphin Court, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach from Friday, November 17–Saturday, December 23 — screening from Monday–Saturday. Head to the Sunset Cinema website for further details and tickets.
Top image: Brett Boardman Photography.