PORTSMOUTH — Since the coronavirus pandemic started, newportFILM has done what it can to keep movie lovers entertained with virtual film showings and question-and-answer sessions with directors.
“It was pretty challenging,” said Becca Bertrand, the executive director of the nonprofit. “We are an event-based organization, so we pretty quickly had to change our model.”
But the newportFILM team also was hard at work to come up with a plan for when the restrictions eased and live events once again could be held. That time will come later this month. The Portsmouth Town Council earlier this week gave approval for a drive-in movie night at Glen Park on June 25.
Since its founding in 2010, newportFILM has held an outdoor series that also included drive-in nights, so “this was something in our wheelhouse,” Bertrand said.
The site at Glen Park will have an amphitheater feel, with the screen set up in the sloped corner that runs along the first-base line of nearby Davidson Field.
“It’s pretty ideal for it,” said Bertrand, who added that state Rep. Terri Cortvriend and members of the Town Council were instrumental in making this event a reality.
The featured film is “Public Trust,” which follows journalist Hal Herring as he explores protecting public lands in the United States. Directed by David Garrett Byers, the 96-minute film is scheduled to begin shortly after sunset at 8:23 p.m. It will be shown on a 40-foot inflatable screen, and volume can be heard through speakers near the screen as well as through an FM transmitter to car radios.
The event will be limited to 100 cars, which will be stationed six feet apart in rows separated by 20 feet. Attendees must pre-register online at newportfilm.com, which is on a first-come, first-served basis. They also must provide contact information for possible contact tracing. Check-in will be completed by showing an email on a smartphone through a window.
The event is free, but a suggested $10 donation can be made during registration or through a contactless payment processor on site. All newportFILM staff members will wear face coverings and practice social distancing during the event.
In line with state guidelines for drive-in movie theaters, attendees must wear a cloth face covering upon leaving the vehicle. They can watch the film inside with the windows up, which requires no face covering. Face covers will be required for attendees who opt to watch inside the car with the windows open; from a truck bed; or directly in front of the car.
Portable restrooms will be made available —with a 6-foot distance between those waiting to use them — and a food vendor will be on site.
Bertrand said the event in Portsmouth will be the first of what newportFILM is calling a “mini-series.” The organization hopes to host two films a month through October at venues in Middletown and Newport.
“We’re so proud of what we’ve created in the Newport community,” Bertrand said. “What we love is to bring people together and have a shared sense of unity through film. We’re thrilled to be getting back at it.”