A large crowd is expected at Maffeo Sutton Park on Friday and Parksville Community Park on Saturday for a free outdoor movie night. (Coastal Community Credit Union)

By Alex Rawnsley

sunset cinema

Free outdoor movie event returning to Nanaimo & Parksville

Jul 19, 2024 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — Clear skies should provide an amazing backdrop for an evening movie under the stars.

Coastal Community Credit Union are hosting their annual Sunset Cinema events across Vancouver Island, including stops at Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park on Friday, July 19 and Parksville Community Park on Saturday, July 20.

Event organizer Allyson Prescesky told NanaimoNewsNOW they’ll show a free, family-friendly movie on a giant screen in the park.

“It’s a three-storey inflatable screen where you can sit under the stars and watch a great movie. All you need to do is your blanket and lawn chairs.”

The screening in Nanaimo will feature ‘Migration’, an animated movie about a family of ducks trying to convince their overprotective father to go on a vacation.

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It stars the voices of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Danny DeVito and Awkwafina.

Parksville’s event, held at the grass kite field to the Park’s northern end, will feature ‘Trolls Band Together’, starring Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberland, Kenan Thompson and Kunal Nayyar.

Start times are venue and weather-dependant, with Prescesky saying they get things going as soon as it’s dark enough, typically just after 9 p.m.

A concession will serve drinks and snacks, with proceeds going to healthcare costs for families on Vancouver Island. (Coastal Community Credit Union)

While the movie itself is free, an on-site concession will be raising money for healthcare on Vancouver Island.

“Proceeds are going towards the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island,” Prescesky said. “All the funds raised are staying right here on the Island to support families going through healthcare crisis situations.”

It’s an event which has grown over the years with around 500 people expected on any given night.

This year’s Sunset Cinema series begins in Duncan on Thursday, July 18, with other stops in Port Alberni on Sunday, July 21, then Courtenay and Campbell River early next week.

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