As of Friday, July 24, 2020, Newark, New Jersey will again feature a drive-in, outdoor cinema within its borders. Newark Moonlight Cinema, a pop-up, drive-in movie theatre is located at the site of former Newark Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium at 54 Bridge Street in downtown Newark. The brainchild of Newark-based award-winning filmmaker, Ayana Stafford-Morris and real estate developer, Siree Morris, Newark Moonlight Cinema is a seasonal experience that will run Fridays through Sundays from July 24, 2020 to October 4, 2020. The films are carefully selected to highlight African American filmmakers, actors and actresses, kicking off with Michael B. Jordan weekend and Queen Latifah favorites the following week. Feature lineup will be released on the website www.NewarkMoonlight.com and across the cinema’s social media platform on Facebook and Instagram and on Twitter.
The nostalgic trip down memory lane is a Leopard Stripes Production, sponsored in part by Prudential, Lotus Equity Group, The Brickerati Group, and MCI Developers, a team that has positioned Newark Moonlight to prepare the 7.41 acre park and view site to accommodate over 300 cars, and 1500 guests nightly, while employing a team of nearly 20 staff members. Guests are encouraged to arrive when gates open at 7PM for check in, two hours ahead of showtime, having already downloaded the concession management application, FanFood to support the onsite snack bar. Use of the new technology available for immediate download on both IOS and Android smart devices will enable patrons to order their food from their vehicles and receive a notification when it is ready for pick up, ensuring a seamless, cashless experience.
“This is a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to open a movie theatre in my hometown. I’m happy that I am able to offer a safe, family-friendly, throwback experience for all even amid a pandemic,” said Ayana Stafford-Morris, Founder and Executive Producer of Leopard Stripes Productions.
“We are leveraging the successes we have had in business to bring this experience to our community. This is the reason I left my job and ventured into entrepreneurship. I love to create, and I look forward to my community creating lasting memories with their loved ones,” said Siree Morris, Principal at MCI Developers.
A drive-in theatre has not been experienced in Newark since the late 1970’s. Guests are encouraged to bring family, friends, or a special someone to reminisce or first-live the American classic past time in a lineup that is sure to please the heart and soul. Theatregoers will enjoy a Blue-Ray feature on a 55-foot screen, so that every space is an ideal park and view spot. Tickets are sold online only at www.NewarkMoonlight.com and are not transferrable. All guests must have a ticket upon entry. Children ages 4 to 12 are $8 and adults ages 13+ are $12. Children under the age of 4 are free but must also have a ticket. Rain dates will operate the following Monday after any cancelled feature unless otherwise announced on the website.
