Michael B. Jordan, Amazon Studios partner for free drive-in summer screening series

This post was originally written and published on CLTure.org.

For movie lovers across the country, the last three months have proven difficult thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With theater doors closed, fans have been stuck rewatching old favorites or exploring new releases on streaming services, but thanks to Michael B. Jordan and Amazon Studios, you’ll soon have a chance to change up the scenery on your next movie night.

The studio and Jordan’s production company Outlier Society on Thursday announced the creation of “A Night at the Drive-In,” a free summer screening series at 20 drive-in theaters across America. In Charlotte, cinephiles will be able to make the short trip to Abemarle’s Badin Drive-In.

Beginning Wednesday, July 1, the theaters will provide double headers every other week featuring a slate of films curated by Jordan himself that each celebrate multicultural voices in cinema. The 10 films will be paired by genre, creating five themed movie nights, ranging from comedies to films tackling social justice. First up on the schedule are “Movies to make you fall in love,” featuring “Love & Basketball” and “Crazy Rich Asians.” Other titles include “Black Panther,” “Creed,” “Hook,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Do The Right Thing,” “Get Out,” “Coming to America” and “Girls Trip.”

As political and social activism continues to grip the U.S. following the death of George Floyd, Jordan said now was the perfect time to put a spotlight on films created by and focused on people of color.

“With this drive-in summer series, I hope that friends and families are able to not only enjoy, but to learn and grow,” Jordan said in a press release. “Now more than ever, amplifying Black and Brown stories means engaging culture to speak to hearts and minds about the world we live in. As we use this opportunity to reimagine community and proximity, I am excited that these films will be shared and celebrated all across the country.”

Jennifer Salke, the head of Amazon Studios, added that on top of the need to share these stories, the nature of a drive-in theater provided the perfect environment for a safe viewing experience.

“When Michael and our friends at Outlier proposed this idea, we instantly agreed there was no better time to celebrate these inspired films featuring diverse stories while bringing communities together to share in the experience” Salke said. “Drive-in theaters offer a unique experience in that they provide an inspiring and joyful communal experience while still maintaining safe social distance.”

In addition to free admission, guests will also be provided with refreshments from Black- and Brown-owned businesses, including Path Water, Pipcorn Popcorn and Partake Cookies. While admission to each screening is free of charge, guests must still visit the website and download a pass in order to reserve a spot.

FULL SCHEDULE

July 1 – Movies to Make You Fall in Love

“Love & Basketball” and “Crazy Rich Asians”

July 15 – Movies that Make You Proud

“Black Panther” and “Creed”

July 29 – Movies to Inspire Your Inner Child

“Hook” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

August 12 – Movies to Make You Open Your Eyes

“Do The Right Thing” and “Get Out”

August 26 – Movies to Make You Laugh

“Coming to America” and “Girls Trip”