To make a web in times of COVID, mission almost impossible. And for good reason. With all the San Francisco Bay counties placed on the health watch list put in place by the governor of California in July, theaters have been unable to reopen. And no date fixed on the horizon … So for lovers of the 7thth art in need of session and all those who want to treat themselves to an entertainment break, here are some alternatives.
The drive-in trend
Seeing a movie under the stars while staying in your car, the concept is on the rise. These open-air cinemas allow you to discover classics without taking any risks. A giant screen, cars parked three meters from each other, alone or surrounded by people in his “bubble”, it’s a vintage-style outing adapted to the current situation. In the Bay, several options are possible:
- On the East Bay side, you can go to Concord (at West Wind Solano) or Pleasanton. The city of Berkeley also offers three drive-in nights at the Marina: Friday August 14, September 28 and 11. Free sessions that require prior registration here.
- In the south, direction San Jose at the West Wind Capitol.
- Finally in the north, the Cameo cinema manages drive-in evenings in St. Helena.
All practical information – programming, special evenings, timetables and prices – can be found on the various websites. Be careful to take your mask, because it remains compulsory outside the vehicle. Whether it’s going to the bathroom or buying popcorn.
The floating cinema
In San Francisco, between September 2 and September 6, film sessions will be offered on the water. A unique experience. The exact location, prices and programming are not yet revealed by Beyond Cinema, the Australian company behind this unusual initiative. What we know ? The novelties will rub shoulders with the classics and between 12 and 24 boats will accommodate up to 8 people per boat. In order to attend, moviegoers must first register here and wait.
Local procedures
Many neighborhood cinemas will not survive these months of closure and are struggling not to fall the curtain permanently. Like the New Parkway Theater in Oakland which has transformed its kitchen to prepare meals and offers outdoor screenings on the last Saturdays of August and September. In remote chair mode and picnics allowed. Another example: the Roxie in San Francisco has embarked on a virtual program. It does not replace a good armchair in one of their theaters, but it allows you to discover independent films while supporting them. We therefore think of checking the sites of our favorite cinemas while waiting to set foot there again.
