Manhattan Drive-In Movies

View of East River from upper parking deck

L–R: ImageNation Executive Producer Gregory Gates; Concert Promoter Sparkie Martin; and TPC Publisher Adrian Council, Sr. L–R: Moikgantsi Kgama, Gregory Kgari KgamaGates, and Gregory Gates

Drive-In Movie Nights in Manhattan

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion and one in great demand these days. East Plaza and the 18th Annual ImageNation Outdoors Festival did their part to bring back a staple from the 1950s and 1960s —the drive-in movie.

With COVID-19 forcing people to practice social distancing and restricting attendees at movie theaters, ImageNation Cinema Foundation, the East River Plaza, and The Positive Community have come up with the perfect solution to host Manhattan’s only series of drive-in movie nights.

On Saturday, September 26th and October 3rd guests could sit back; relax; and enjoy classic, family-friendly films from the comfort of their own cars, while adhering to CDC social distancing guidelines. Fidelis Care sponsored Sonic the Hedgehog (for Kids’ Night Out) with TPC Radio/Positive Music Matters online dance jam, spun by Sundae Sermon’s DJ Stormin Norman,

“We are very proud to join with locally-based ImageNation and provide a safe source of entertainment for the community during these very challenging times,” said David Blumenfeld, vice president, Blumenfeld Development Group, developer of East River Plaza. “We are glad that Manhattan – and especially our neighbors in East Harlem – now have an option in the city instead of having to travel to other boroughs or out to Long Island, New Jersey, or upstate New York to join in the film fun.”

“This is our 18th year of outdoor screenings. However, due to COVID-19 we were almost forced to cancel,” said Moikgantsi Kgama, founder of ImageNation. “We are so happy that East River Plaza, HCCI, and The Positive Community joined our effort, and basically saved the festival! This event is a great example of community unity.”

All of the screenings were sold out. East River Plaza provided a “featured treat” from local businesses in family snack bags that were distributed to each group upon arrival.

Sponsors included The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment; East River Plaza; WarnerMedia; Black Public Media; Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI); Fidelis Care; The Positive Community; and Harlem News. —TPC Staff