"Cinema under the stars": Cornell Cinema's summer series returns

Now in its 18th year, Cornell Cinema’s “Cinema Under the Stars” returns this summer with another great audience-selected line up.

“Cornell Cinema's Summer Terrace Screenings are community events that bring everyone in Ithaca together,” said Yuji Yang ‘19, president of the Cornell Cinema Student Advisory Board. “It's wonderful to see students and residents gather under a beautiful night sky and enjoy their favorite movies with their friends and families.”

The titles were selected through a survey, which 256 people completed, sent out by email and posted to Facebook.

“We compiled a list of about a dozen titles that we thought would work well as outdoor screenings,” says Mary Fessenden, Cornell Cinema director, “a mix of classic Hollywood and more contemporary films.”

The four films will be shown outdoors on the Willard Straight Terrace, 136 Ho Plaza. There will be a cash bar, complimentary snacks and a great view. Patrons are also welcome to bring picnic dinners.

“The top three vote-getters were “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Double Indemnity,” says Fessenden, “The director of “Stop Making Sense,” Jonathan Demme, passed away unexpectedly at the end of April, and we wanted to pay tribute to him.”

Doors will open at 8:15 p.m. and films will start at 9:30 p.m., after dark. In the event of rain, screenings will be held in Willard Straight Theatre.

“Whether you're a student in need of a break from summer classes and labwork or someone who wants to spend the evening with cherished ones,” Yang said, “the Summer Terrace Screenings are perfect for kicking back and relaxing under the stars.”

Tickets are $13 for the general public and $11 for students and seniors. These can be purchased in advance online at cornellcinematickets.com. For more information, call (607) 255-3522.

Cornell Cinema’s Summer Terrace Screenings will include:

“Stop Making Sense,” 1984 film directed by Jonathan Demme with the Talking Heads. Screening at 9:30pm on Wednesday, June 21.

“Fantastic Mr. Fox,” 2009 film directed by Wes Anderson with the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray. Screening at 9:30pm on Thursday, June 29.

“Singin’ in the Rain,” 1952 film directed by Stanley Donen. Screening at 9:30pm on Wednesday, July 12.

“Double Indemnity,” 1944 film directed by Billy Wilder. Screening at 9:30pm on Wednesday, July 26.

Yvette Lisa Ndlovu is a communications assistant for the College of Arts & Sciences.