Summer sun drifting away to summer nights … and cinema under the stars
Dendy Outdoor Cinema at Brisbane Powerhouse says to ditch the picnic rug for its chunky chairs and cushions – and there’s even the occasional dog-friendly screening.
Brisbane’s mild nights present the perfect setting to watch a movie outdoors at Dendy Outdoor Cinema at Brisbane Powerhouse. The cinema has been operating for a year now, but it’s still a well-kept secret to many.
Head of marketing for Dendy Cinemas Eloi Mota says it’s not only the first permanent outdoor cinema for Dendy – it’s also the first permanent outdoor cinema of any kind for Brisbane. And if your only experience so far with al fresco movie-going has been to bring along a picnic blanket or fold-out chair, you’re in for a comfortable treat.
“The cinema has 350 chunky chairs with cushions, beautiful festival lights and plenty of atmosphere, which creates a stylish and sophisticated experience,” Mota says. “It’s got New Farm Park and the Brisbane River as the backdrop.” Patrons can scan a QR code to order refreshments from the comfort of their seats, including fine wines and Byron Bay pizzas.
Despite a few nights getting more than a little chilly over winter, even in the subtropics, Mota says plummeting temperatures didn’t keep people away.
“We had a good winter season,” he says. “We’ve got blankets and we had warming winter fare on offer, such as gourmet pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate.”
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The movie screen is above two massive, refitted shipping containers, with two more containers holding the candy bar and projection room. For a fully immersive experience, patrons wear wireless headphones.
“We partner with Brisbane Powerhouse on things such as the Melt Festival,” Mota explains, pointing to the Melt on Screen program featuring queer cinema.
Melt includes Australian drama Strange Creatures, to screen on November 6, a film about two estranged brothers having to partner up and scatter the ashes of their mother in the town where they grew up. I Saw the TV Glow and Problemista (with Emma Stone as a producer) are a couple of other intriguing films in the Melt program, and there’s also the poignant documentary Queendom on November 8, about a 21-year-old artist who risks her life with her performances in defiance of Russia’s anti-LGBTQ laws.
On a more celebratory note, there’ll be a big party for the 30th anniversary screening of The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, hosted by drag queen Maxi-Bon, on November 9. If that doesn’t motivate you, how about the offer of a limited-edition Rainbow Choc Top during the duration of Melt?
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Another interesting offering is a screening of Saturday Night on November 23. If you missed it at the Opening Night of Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF), here’s an opportunity to see the chaos of the final 90 minutes before the first broadcast of the legendary US television show Saturday Night Live. And if you’re into horror movies and Halloween, The Night of the Living Dead is screening October 31.
“Can I bring my pooch along?” you might ask. Well yes, sometimes. Dendy Outdoor Cinema has special dog-friendly screenings, including one for Gladiator II on November 17 (non-dog-friendly screenings are on November 15 and 16).
The chairs are spaced further apart to give each dog their space.
“So far there haven’t been any dog fights,” Mota says. “Our sign says, ‘dogs welcome, humans tolerated’. The rules are there for humans.”
So it’s up to pet owners to behave responsibly and make sure the experience is enjoyable for all patrons.
Come along an hour earlier than the screenings to make the most of the food (a special Night Feast offering is available until November 10 from Byblos, Savile Row, Allonda and others) and perhaps get a refreshing drink from the Aperol Spritz bar, while listening to the music on the sound system.
Check out the program for upcoming screenings, remembering that because there’s only one screen, there can only be one film per night. Don’t worry about adverse weather, because if it’s considered unsuitable, you’ll be notified via SMS that a screening is cancelled. Your ticket will be automatically refunded as an account credit for a future screening. The cinema is open Thursday through Sunday all year round.