Safe and Sound
How cinemas and museums reopened, drive-in style
Paris Plages is a yearly event that transforms the shores of the Seine into temporary beaches. This summer, the event went one step further by creating “Cinéma sur l’Eau” (cinema on the water). Small groups of moviegoers boarded 38 electric boats for a unique experience: viewing the 2018 French comedy Le Grand Bain from floating boats for free. More moviegoers watched the films from socially distanced deck chairs.
Cinemas and other cultural venues have reopened in many parts of the world, but participation levels remain low, so event organizers have been testing novel ideas to create shared experiences for their communities while following safety guidelines. Despite Cannes’ cancellation and the virtual festivals at SXSW and Tribeca, Venice and Toronto successfully hosted their film festivals live, with strict distancing protocols in place.. Venice relied on a combination of physical distancing and some online components, while attendees in Toronto sat in their cars and watched screenings drive-in style.
Drive-ins these days come in many forms. Seattle’s iconic fine-dining restaurant Canlis opened its parking lot as a drive-in movie venue with burgers and snacks. A nightclub in Germany put the drive-in disco concept to the test. In the Netherlands, high-profile artworks at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen are now open to visitors again, but only those who come in an electric car. No matter the setting, the classic drive-in format has proven that it still resonates strongly.
Sources: Vogue (September 14, 2020) | The Monocle Minute (August 14, 2020) | Image: Laura Pittaccio