July is Park & Recreation Month, an annual celebration that highlights the significance and value of parks, open spaces, and recreational activities in our communities. It serves as a reminder of the vital role these spaces play in promoting physical and mental well-being, fostering social connections, and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals of all ages. During this month, communities come together to recognize the efforts of park and recreation professionals who work tirelessly to maintain and improve these spaces.
Park & Recreation Month encourages people to explore and appreciate the natural beauty around them, engage in outdoor activities, and create lasting memories with family and friends. It also raises awareness about the need for continued investment in parks and recreational facilities, advocating for the preservation of green spaces for future generations. By highlighting the importance of parks and recreation, this month-long celebration promotes healthier, happier, and more connected communities.
Celebrate Park & Recreation Month with our comprehensive guide for hosting outdoor film screenings, including equipment recommendations and tips for a successful event, along with a curated selection of film recommendations perfect for enjoying under the stars. You can also find more information about this exciting event on the National Recreation and Park Association's official website.
The Benefits of a Park Film Screening
Screening a film at a park offers numerous benefits that go beyond entertainment. Screenings can offer community involvement by bringing people together in a shared space, encouraging social interaction. The collective experience creates an atmosphere of unity and strengthens community bonds. Additionally, these outdoor screenings can be used as a platform to raise money and awareness for pressing environmental issues. By selecting films that highlight environmental challenges, organizers can educate and inspire the audience to take action, leading to positive change.
Park screenings also promote conservation by emphasizing the importance of preserving natural resources and protecting the environment. The outdoor setting serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our surroundings, motivating individuals to become more mindful of their ecological impact.
Whether you're organizing a movie night in the park, a film festival, or a special outdoor screening, this guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to help you plan and execute a successful event.
Determine the Purpose and Audience
- Clarify the purpose of the event: Is it a family-friendly movie night, a cultural film festival, or a themed screening?
- Identify your target audience: Consider the age groups, interests, and preferences of the community members you're aiming to attract.
Curate a Film Selection
- Choose appropriate films: Select movies that align with the purpose of your event and cater to the interests and preferences of your target audience.
- Consider movie ratings: Ensure the films you choose are suitable for the intended audience, keeping in mind age restrictions and content appropriateness.
- Plan a diverse lineup: Offer a mix of genres, languages, and cultural backgrounds to cater to a broader range of tastes and promote inclusivity.
We've included some film ideas below ↓
Drop Zone Everest
Legacy Studios
Dropzone: Everest Sports Documentary
Dan Myrick, acclaimed writer/director of The Blair Witch Project, and movie producer Kristian Krempel join Legacy Studios, the newly established production arm of veteran-owned extreme expedition firm Legacy Expeditions. The studio's first documentary, Drop Zone: Everest, premieres on streaming services, including FITE TV, Carbon TV, Extreme International, USA Today, and USA Today Sports, on Monday, January 9, 2023.
Captured by award-winning cinematographer Elia Saikaly, the story follows retired NavySEAL Mike Sarraille and a team of former special operators as they skydive into Mt. Everest in honor of the brave men and women who lost their lives during Extortion 17, the single greatest loss of American lives in Afghanistan.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountains, Drop Zone: Everest captures the challenges of preparing and executing jumps into the world’s highest drop zones, including sub-zero temperatures, unpredictable winds, and low oxygen levels. Along with facing the harsh conditions of Nepal’s Everest region, the team must also come to terms with the emotional toll of a war that’s lasted more than two decades.
Purchase Drop Zone Everest ➡️ https://legacyexpeditions.net/
Read our review of Drop Zone Everest
Free Puppies!
Millions of rescue dogs from the rural South have been transported to new homes thanks to the tireless efforts of a grassroots network of dog rescuers. When Hurricane Katrina left more than 250,000 pets stranded, the infrastructure of modern pet transport for a nationwide dog rescue effort was born. Since then, individual volunteers, transporters, shelters, and rescue groups have created a movement to place millions of southern dogs in areas of the country with high demand for adoption but low supply.
FREE PUPPIES! is the true story of where those dogs came from and the challenges facing a group of intrepid women rescuers working together to save them. And watching it outdoors means you can bring your pooch with you to enjoy the show!
A New York Times "Noteworthy Film of the Summer"!
"No, they won’t be handed out with tickets, but presumably seeing rescue dogs placed in new homes will make you smile all the same." – The New York Times
"Free Puppies! is bursting with appealing canine co-stars, from tiny puppies to veteran hounds. You can completely understand why their plight has captured the hearts of so many humans, and you’ll be hard-pressed not to tear up a time or two when their backstories are shared—or when they’re matched with eager adoptive families. It’s dog-gone touching." – Betsy Bozdech, Alliance of Women Film Journalists
Purchase Free Puppies! from First Run Features ➡️ https://www.firstrunfeatures.com/freepuppiesvod.html
Scrap
Discover the vast and strangely beautiful places where things go to die and meet the people who collect, restore, and recycle the world’s scrap. SCRAP scratches beneath flaking paint and rusting metal to reveal the beauty and pathos in the ugliness we leave behind. Enjoying this eco-conscious film outside under the stars surrounded by nature makes its earth-friendly message that much more powerful!
SCRAP is a love letter to the things we use in our daily lives. This cinematic documentary tells the story of people who each have a deep connection to objects that have reached their 'end of life'. Together these stories convey a deeper environmental and human message about our relationship with things, the sadness we feel at their eventual loss, and the joy that we can find in giving them a new purpose.
Things, like people, show a certain beauty in their old age. Like us, they carry the weight of their history and the markings and scars accumulated through their lifespan. With the loss of these objects, we are also losing parts of our history and the cultural memory which they embody. By showing discarded goods in a new and engaging way, the film raises awareness about the fate of the things we use and explores how artists, and other creative thinkers, can be part of finding usefulness in the things we discard.
"A beautifully filmed elegy on the metals we discard, and their innate capacity for renewal and transformation." – Jennifer Baichwal, Director of Manufactured Landscapes
Purchase Scrap from First Run Features ➡️ https://www.firstrunfeatures.com/scrapvod.html
Riders of the Purple Sage
A Grand Opera for a Large Venue
What’s better on a summer night than music under the stars? Riders of the Purple Sage: The Making of a Western Opera, explores the artistry behind a new opera based on Zane Grey’s dime novel masterpiece Riders of the Purple Sage.
The Emmy® Award-winning documentary film boasts romantic Western vistas and a magnificent score. The grand art form of opera translates brilliantly to the screen in this classic Western brought to life by a posse of singers, musicians, and artists, including set design by Modernist painter Ed Mell.
This title boasts an earthy mix of literature, music, theatre, fine art, and film that races like a horse across a high desert plateau. The story mythologizes the settling of the West with a clear eye for the conflicts and inequalities of the era. This is an accessible story with strong, familiar characters and meaningful themes. It turns classroom-worthy classic literature into an entertaining summer romp!
The film celebrates the collaborative power of art and is well-suited for community settings, including large screens, parks, or drive-ins. Visually stunning with a score to match, this film will hold the setting in an embrace as big as the canyons that inspired it. Riders of the Purple Sage: The Making of a Western Opera, is the winner of three Rocky Mountain Emmy® Awards, including Best Arts and Entertainment Program, and is available from First Run Features for classroom and community uses.
Purchase Riders of the Purple Sage from First Run Features ➡️ https://www.firstrunfeatures.com/ridersofthepurplesagevod.html
Read our interview with the director Kristin Atwell Ford
Read our review of Riders of the Purple Sage
Weaving Spanish Threads
R&B.DVD.cvr
The United States is a country made up mostly of immigrants and their descendants—people like Francisco Pérez, star of our documentary Weaving with Spanish Threads: an Immigrant's Tale.
Pérez, like millions of others, left his native land with his family in search of a better life. Specifically, he left Spain with his mother and relatives in the early 1900s, and signed up for contract labor on Hawaii's plantations, at a time when many people in Spain were going hungry.
The experience of these immigrants mirrored that of immigrants from many other countries. The ability of Pérez and friends to tell vivid stories about it makes this an excellent choice for presentation to the general public. Appropriate for anyone from age 10 to 100, we invite you to host an event in which it is featured.
Events can be:
- A simple presentation of the one-hour documentary OR
- Making the documentary available online for several days, OR
- Adding a Q&A with the filmmaker to the presentation, OR
- Adding to the documentary a panel presentation on broad aspects of immigration
"...accessible and fascinating...." – Maddalena Marinari, PhD, History Dept. St. Bonaventura Univ., New York
"The elderly gentleman could so easily have been my grandfather. It was almost like hearing him speak again..." – Cathy Continente, a descendant of Spanish immigrants
"... 'must see' for any serious student of immigration, plantation life, and the nature of historical storytelling." – John P. Rosa, History Dept., Univ. of Hawai'i at Manoa
Purchase or host an event with Weaving Spanish Threads ➡️ http://WeavingwithSpanishThreads.com/educational.html
Public Performance Rights
When it comes to hosting outdoor film screenings for major feature films, it is important to ensure compliance with public performance rights. Public performance rights refer to the legal permission required to publicly screen copyrighted movies or other audiovisual works. To obtain public performance rights for major feature films, one option is to utilize a third-party licensing service like Swank Motion Pictures or MLPC.
These licensing services facilitate the process by securing the necessary permissions on your behalf. Typically, acquiring a public performance license entails either paying a flat fee or sharing a percentage of the ticket sales with the licensing service.
It's essential to carefully review and adhere to any additional stipulations that may be specified by the licensing service or the film itself. These stipulations can vary based on the specific film being requested and the licensing service from which it is obtained. By navigating the process of obtaining public performance rights, you can ensure that your outdoor film screening is conducted in a legally compliant and responsible manner.
For more information on obtaining public performance rights, refer to our articles Guide to Public Performance Rights and How to Show Movies in Public.
Select a Suitable Venue
- Assess the space: Look for parks, open areas, or community centers that can accommodate the projected screen, seating, and a concession area if applicable.
- Consider amenities: Check for available electricity, restroom facilities, and parking options to provide a comfortable experience for attendees.
- Evaluate lighting conditions: Choose a location with minimal light pollution to enhance the visibility of the screen.
Obtain Permissions and Permits
- Contact the relevant authorities: Reach out to your local government or parks and recreation department to obtain the necessary permits and permissions for the movie event.
- Check licensing requirements: Ensure you have the proper licensing to screen the films publicly.
Access to Your Venue
- Adequate parking. You may need a crew to help guide cars to parking areas. If you are short-staffed, consider using volunteers from a local civic group.
- If your library or venue is in or near a high-traffic area, you may need police or reserve officers directing traffic before and after your event.
- Well-lit paths from the parking lot to the screening area (and to restroom facilities) are essential.
- Consider screen visibility literally from all angles. Some libraries do not allow customers to bring lawn chairs since they can block the view of those sitting on the ground.
Technology Concerns
Organizing outdoor film screenings is a cost-effective and straightforward endeavor. While larger-scale events often utilize inflatable film screens for a captivating viewing experience, you can still achieve fantastic results by projecting the film onto a sheet or a suitable blank wall.
To facilitate the screening, we recommend using a portable mini projector which offers convenience, affordability, and portability, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings. This compact device allows you to easily set up a movie night under the stars, creating a memorable experience for your audience.
Plan the Equipment and Setup
- Test the equipment: Set up the equipment in advance to ensure proper functionality, adjust the brightness and contrast settings, and optimize sound quality.
- Arrange for audio equipment: Use outdoor speakers to enhance the audio experience for attendees.
Other Important Supplies
In addition to the projector, it's essential to consider other necessary elements for a successful outdoor screening. Consider preparing tickets for admission to enhance the event's organization. Providing bags for popcorn and snacks will ensure that attendees have a delightful and comfortable movie-watching experience. By investing in outdoor technology and essential supplies, you can create a magical ambiance and transform any outdoor space into a captivating cinematic setting.
Read our article How to Host a Summer Outdoor Film Screening for more information.
Organize Logistics and Promote the Event
- Set the date and time: Consider weather conditions and optimal daylight for the event. Aim for a time when the sun has set enough for the projection to be visible.
- Create a marketing plan: Promote the event through local media, social media platforms, community newsletters, and flyers in public spaces.
- Arrange seating and concessions: Provide seating options such as blankets, chairs, or bleachers, and consider partnering with local vendors to offer food and drinks.
Although making physical posters and flyers can be impactful, utilizing social media is the most important way to promote your event. Find out what social media platform would appeal to your intended audience and get creative. Depending on your event, appealing to local environmentalist groups could be a productive way to draw in engagement. You can also engage with your potential audience by centering around screening events like a raffle or giveaway.
Enhance the Attendee Experience
- Create a welcoming atmosphere: Set up decorative lighting, signage, and themed decorations to enhance the ambiance and create a memorable experience.
- Facilitate audience engagement: Organize pre-screening activities, such as trivia contests or live performances related to the films being shown.
- Provide amenities: Offer restroom facilities, trash receptacles, and recycling options to ensure a clean and convenient environment.
Ensure Safety and Security
- Implement crowd control measures: Set boundaries and clearly mark the designated viewing area. Use barriers or volunteers to manage crowd flow.
- Establish security protocols: Coordinate with local law enforcement or security personnel to ensure the safety of attendees and address any potential issues.
- Communicate emergency procedures: Display emergency contact information and provide clear instructions in case of an emergency situation.
Case Study: The Rooftop Film Festival
The Rooftop Film Festival in New York is an annual celebration of cinema that takes place under the starry night sky, creating a unique and immersive cinematic experience. In addition to being held on the rooftops of iconic buildings throughout the city, they also host screenings in some of New York's most gorgeous parks and outdoor spaces such as Sunset Park, Green-Wood Cemetery, and the Socrates Sculpture Park. This festival has become a beloved summer tradition for film enthusiasts and casual moviegoers alike.
With a curated selection of independent films from around the world, the Rooftop Film Festival showcases a diverse range of storytelling and perspectives. The festival not only provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work but also offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere where audiences can connect with the films and each other in a captivating outdoor setting. From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating narratives, the Rooftop Film Festival in New York continues to captivate and inspire cinephiles, making it an essential event on the city's cultural calendar.