Outdoor Cinema Returns to Socrates Sculpture Park

Outdoor Cinema is back at Socrates Sculpture Park this September! They will be opening with a two-night pilot program presented in partnership with Rooftop Films. The beloved film series returns on September 12 and September 26, bringing movies, music, food, and community gatherings to the Astoria waterfront.

The series opens Saturday, September 12, with BOUCHRA, an animated film by artists Meriem Bennani and Orian Barki. Set between Casablanca and New York, the film follows a Moroccan filmmaker living in New York as she reflects on family, love, sexuality, and life between cultures. The evening will include a pre-screening DJ set by Moroccan-born, New York-based artist and composer Bergsonist, introductory remarks from the filmmakers, and Moroccan food from Queens-based food truck Amazigh.

On Saturday, September 26, Outdoor Cinema continues with Jean-Michel Basquiat, a new documentary exploring the life and work of the influential New York artist. The film draws on family memories, archival imagery, and previously unseen works to explore Basquiat and the creative communities that surrounded him. A special ambient set by New York artist and musician L’Rain will precede the screening, with food from a Haitian food truck.

Cinema Kids

This year also introduces Cinema Kids, a new partnership with Château Le Woof and the New York International Children’s Film Festival. On the mornings of each Outdoor Cinema event, families can head across the street to Château Le Woof for programs of short films recommended for children ages 10 and up.

On September 12, Native Stories will explore the varied lives of young Indigenous people through stories spanning the past, present, and future. On September 26, ¡HOLA CINE! will showcase Latinx stories from across the Americas, featuring short films about family, perseverance, imagination, and a little bit of magic.

Movie Schedule

Outdoor Cinema: BOUCHRA
Saturday, September 12
6–10 p.m.
Socrates Sculpture Park

Cinema Kids: Native Stories
Saturday, September 12
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Château Le Woof
Recommended ages: 10+

Outdoor Cinema: Jean-Michel Basquiat
Saturday, September 26
6–10 p.m.
Socrates Sculpture Park

Cinema Kids: ¡HOLA CINE!
Saturday, September 26
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Château Le Woof
Recommended ages: 10+

All programs are part of Socrates Sculpture Park’s effort to bring back a longtime community tradition while exploring new ways for neighbors to gather through film, food, music, and art.

Registration is required.

See the full calendar, including art exhibitions and events, here: https://www.socratessculpturepark.org/public-programs/#upcoming