Standout films to screen at Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema

A dozen top films united by a sense of place are set to screen at the sizzling Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora this summer.

Films for all ages will be screened on two dates each summer month in the picturesque North Quad – immersing cinemagoers in one of New Zealand’s landmark locations surrounded by stunning heritage buildings. The season kicks off on 13 December.

Films showing this year include The Lion King (2019), Paddington, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Sione’s Wedding, Elf, The Truman Show, Dumbo (2019) and perennial festive favourite Love Actually.

The Arts Centre chief executive Philip Aldridge says the outdoor cinema tradition has become one of the most popular events in the centre’s calendar that many in the community, including staff, look forward to each year.

“We love seeing the delight on people’s faces as they bring their whānau and friends in to watch a favourite film on the big screen while surrounded by stunning heritage buildings. It really is a wonderful night out for all ages.

“This year’s films are united by a sense of tūrangawaewae to help remind people that The Arts Centre is their place, a place they are most welcome and that they’re helping to restore.”

Leighs Construction managing director Anthony Leighs says: “Leighs Construction are absolutely thrilled and honoured to be working on what is one of the most significant clusters of heritage buildings in New Zealand. The Outdoor Cinema at The Arts Centre is such a popular occasion for everyone in Christchurch and is something we are really pleased to be supporting.

“We continue to support the Outdoor Cinema as we believe it is a great initiative to reinvigorate people’s love for the city, enabling the community to come together to enjoy an evening of great movies, and an even better backdrop with the historic buildings that surround them.”

Cinema nights are on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December 2019, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 January 2020, and Friday 7 and Saturday 8 February 2020. Child-friendly family films will start at 5.30pm followed by movies for adults at 8.00pm.

Entry is by koha/donation, which will go directly toward The Arts Centre’s $259 million restoration programme. As an independent charitable trust, the earthquake-damaged centre relies upon donations, gifts and sponsorship to complete the enormous heritage project.

Cinemagoers are advised to bring something to sit on (rugs are to be used on grassed areas, while chairs can be used on paved surfaces) and arrive early to ensure a good spot. A limited number of bean bags will be provided.

Refreshments will be available to buy; however, no alcohol is to be brought in.

SCHEDULE

13 December 2019 
5.30pm: Elf 
8.00pm: Love Actually

14 December 2019
5.30pm: The Grinch
8.00pm: The Nightmare Before Christmas

24 January 2020
5.30pm: Dumbo (2019)
8.00pm: The Truman Show

25 January 2020
5.30pm: Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
8.00pm: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

7 February 2020
5.30pm: Paddington 
8.00pm: Sione’s Wedding

8 February 2020
5.30pm: The Lion King (2019)
8.00pm: Rock of Ages

For more information, please contact:

Jo Gilbert
Communications and engagement manager
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
jo@artscentre.org.nz
027 609 7973
03 364 9725