On July 24, 2020, award-winning filmmaker, Ayana Stafford-Morris and real estate developer, Siree Morris launched Newark Moonlight Cinema at 54 Bridge Street in Newark’s downtown neighborhood, on a mission to highlight African American films, filmmakers, and actors and actresses. The Newark natives welcomed over 10,000 guests under the Newark Moonlight in the first seven weeks of operation, and announced today that the season, originally slated to close October 4th is now extended to Sunday, December 6th, after successful negotiations with landowners, Lotus Equity Group.
“We are excited to extend the Moonlight season at this site,”said Siree Morris, Newark Moonlight Co-Owner. “As we enter the autumn period, we are diversifying the entertainment experiences offered at Newark Moonlight, and the extension of the season enables us to expand partnerships and create more value for our guests.”
The licensing battle to obtain the rights to showcase Black Panther at Newark Moonlight Cinema was no small feat. As a pop-up drive in theatre (as opposed to a year-round drive-in), Newark Moonlight was at the bottom of the list of theatres to become authorized to play the film, even prior to the passing of beloved, Chadwick Boseman. The owners attempted to obtain Black Panther as part of Newark Moonlight’s, Michael B Jordan Grand Opening Week line up and were denied. After the announcement of the passing of Boseman, Moonlight management again requested the feature, and was again denied. Only after the drafting of a heartfelt letter of appeal from Moonlight leadership to Marvel Studios and Disney Studios and a community supported social media campaign with relentless tweeting, reposting, and commenting, did the studios grant the drive in the permission they sought.
“This weekend, we mourn a great loss to our community, and what feels like our own family,” said Ayana Stafford-Morris, Co-Owner at Newark Moonlight. “We will celebrate the legacy of Chadwick Boseman, the great Black Panther, our Forever King, the only way we know how, by gathering as a community – yes, at a social distance – reliving the great moments of Chadwick’s art, and leaning on each other as we process this loss. This is a celebration of his life as we grieve with and pray for his true family.”
Guests in attendance of the Saturday and Sunday screenings of Black Panther are encouraged to wear African garb as their best expression of Wakanda wear in solidarity with the fictional community. Newark native, DJ Lil’ Man will keep spirits high with an assortment of tunes, two hours prior to showtime.
