Drive-in movies are back with Mov’in Cars for an extended season. Photos: Supplied.
The best part about having a drive-in movie cinema is recreating the experience for a whole new generation, according to Vincent Hernandez from Mov’in Car.
“You see and hear parents talking to their children about how their parents used to take them, and grandparents telling stories to grandchildren about how they used to go to the drive-in, I love that,” said Vincent.
When COVID-19 struck, the Sydney based Mov’in Bed, which set up beds for patrons to watch movies from, quickly pivoted to providing drive-in movie experiences, already having the screen, the technology and catering to adapt.
And as their first season in Canberra at Questacon was so well received, they are extending their stay for another week so more Canberra movie buffs can share the experience of the drive-in.
Bring a blankie – watching from your car can get a little chilly in Canberra.
“I didn’t know if people in Canberra would like it or not,” said Vincent, “but I’ve been watching how it’s going and it’s very popular.
“People love that sense of nostalgia, and of giving their children an experience they had when they were young themselves. And it is very COVID-19 safe. People in Canberra comply with COVID-19 social distancing measures much better than people in Sydney, and being in a car keeps you safer,” he said.
And, if you don’t have a car or don’t drive, you can enjoy the movie from one of the cars supplied by Peugeot which are parked at the event for people without a licence or without a car, with the ‘Peugeot date night’ experience.
“You just book the Peugeot when you book a ticket,” said Vincent, “just bring a blanket to stay warm, and we’ll bring your pizza or meal to the car.”
Unlike the drive-ins of yesteryear, the technology differs from the old-school speaker in the window set-up – these days movie-goers tune in to a frequency on the radio to listen in on their car stereo. But you will still need blankets to keep warm as there are no heaters once your engine is switched off. The night time experience of watching a movie at a drive-in has been so popular with some, Mov’in Cars has already got regular movie-goers who attend repeatedly.
“I don’t know if it’s because of COVID-19 that people haven’t been anywhere and are bored and glad to get out, or whether they just miss having the drive-in movie experience itself.”
The drive-in has a fully implemented COVID-19 management plan and screens two movies an evening onto a big 50-metre screen, one for the kids at 5:30 pm every day, and one for the grown-ups a little later on at 8:30 pm, all with easy ordering access to made on-site pizza, popcorn, drinks, snacks, beer, wine and even mulled wine.
The season has been extended until 26 July and Vincent wants to return next year.
“I hope to make this a regular winter movie event and bring our movies and catering to Canberra next year. Questacon is a very central and easy to get to, and we’ll definitely be bringing it again!”
Tickets for the Mov’in Car Cinema are available online until 26 July 2020.
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