Some people find relief from the heat by hiding out in air-conditioned cinemas all summer others take the opportunity to move their movies outside. A number of outdoor screenings launch this week at Toronto parks, including an animation marathon in Trinity Bellwoods and a recent Oscar winner in Christie Pits. Plus, several film-related events that mix movies, music and food, including a fundraiser that highlights the unique relationship between horses and humans.
Do Film Night at Trinity Bellwoods
The Trinity Bellwoods BIA will host a free outdoor movie night tonight (June 22) featuring animated short films from the National Film Board. The family-friendly screening takes place in the Dog Bowl starting at dusk. Eight films are on deck, including Every Child, The Tender Tale Of Cinderella penguin, Blackfly, The Cat Came Back, Sand Castle, The Owl Whom Married A Goose, Evolution, Christmas Cracker and Monsieur Pointu. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Several food options, including Scoop Shop by Sweet Sammies, Odile Chocolat and The Pie Commission, will be on hand. See listing for more details.
A “Serious” Moonlight Movie Night at Earlscourt Park
To help celebrate the launch of Earlscourt Park’s new labyrinth-themed wading pool, Friends of Earlscourt Park and Park People will host a free screening of Jim Henson’s 1986 movie, Labyrinth, on June 25. Family-friendly festivities begin at 7:30 pm, including David Bowie-themed face painting and chalk art. The movie will be shown around 9 pm. Since this is an open-air event, attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. See listing for more details.
Cooking With Jorge Lozano at Arcadia Housing Co-op
Local filmmaker Jorge Lozano has made over 100 in the last two decades. A selection of his works will be presented at the Arcadia Housing Co-op Performance Space (69 Queen’s Quay West) on June 25. The event includes a dinner cooked by Lozano himself, and screenings starting at 8 pm. Four short films precede 2010’s Watch My Back, a 40 minute experimental silent film that features a series of abstract portraits overlaid with text. The piece targets a number of social issues including immigration, systemic racism in Canada, violence and poverty. Tickets are $5 to $8. See listing for more details.
Stranded! In Christie Pits
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show presents outdoor film screenings in Christie Pits Park all summer. Gravity, Alfonso Cuarón’s Oscar-winning sci-fi drama about astronauts (played by Sandra Bullock and George Clooney) stranded in space, will be the opening night film on June 26. Food vendors, including FeastTO and Macchina Mobile Café, will be on location for pre-screening eats, and the film begins at sundown. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket. The event is by donation. See listing for more details.
Being AP at Early Mercy
To help mark Canada’s oldest thoroughbred horse race, the Queen’s Plate (at Woodbine Track on July 3), a fundraiser benefiting horses and jockeys will take place at Early Mercy (540 King West) on June 28. The party includes a screening of Being AP, the 2015 documentary on champion Northern Irish jockey AP McCoy. After the film, guests will have a chance to enjoy cocktails, food, music, a silent auction and prizes. Tickets are $100 to $150 and can be purchased online in advance. Proceeds will be donated to Horses Help Canada, which partners autistic, special needs and at-risk youth with horses in a rural setting, and the Jockey Benefit Association of Canada, which represents and supports jockeys in Canada. See listing for more details.
Open Roof Film Festival at 99 Sudbury
The Open Roof Film Festival combines music and movies in an outdoor setting at 99 Sudbury Street. On June 28, enjoy a full set by local band Fresh Snow and a screening of Sing Street, director John Carney’s new movie about ‘80s pop music in Dublin. The licensed event also includes beer from Amsterdam Brewery and food from food trucks for purchase. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online in advance. See listing for more details.
Free Flicks at Harbourfront Centre
Join waterfront residents for Free Flicks at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West) every Wednesday until the end of August. In anticipation of Canada Day festivities, the 1983 Canuck comedy Strange Brew will be shown on June 29 at 9 pm. Based on the popular SCTV characters Bob and Doug McKenzie, Strange Brew sees “Canada’s most famous hosers” try and solve a mystery while working at a brewery. Written, directed and starring Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas, the movie was shot almost entirely in Toronto and surrounding areas. See listing for more details.
Want more special screenings? Go here. Want regular movie showtimes? Go here.
michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas
