STARS UNDER THE STARS: Galileo open-air cinema PICS: Jim Freeman STARS UNDER THE STARS: Galileo open-air cinema PICS: Jim Freeman
“AG, Pleez, Deddy, won’t you take us to the drive-in?” went Jeremy Taylor’s '70s song and, truly, a weekend movie under the stars was a staple of South African life.
A Coke, a hot dog, Fanta and a roti; all while we huddled in our parents’ cars, a crackly speaker hanging from the driver’s window and the often badly focused fliek on the screen far ahead – what bliss!
Fast-forward several decades and the drive-in is back – this time with 21st century technology as well as all the cool and pizazz that Cape Town has to offer.
Not for us the top of mine dumps or grungy asphalt parking lots; how about a wine estate, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens or the shadow of the giant Ferris wheel at the V&A Waterfront, to name just a few venues?
Other locations include Hillcrest Quarry, Nederburg, Meerendal Lourensford, Muldersvlei, Uitkyk, Boschendal, Blaauwklippen, the Castle of Good Hope, Central Park, Kelvin Grove, Noordhoek Common and the Fedisa rooftop.
Oh, you can still have your hot dog and sickly sweet soda if you insist but you can also get your Banting or veggie meals – and wash them down with a bottle of decent, reasonably priced wine.
The Galileo open-air cinema is a drive-to rather than a drive-in.
You park your vehicle and walk to the gate where you present your online-purchased ticket or buy one onsite. Pre-booked tickets are cheaper.
There are several options when booking through the Galileo website (www.thegalileo.co.za): “standard (R79)”, “warm (R87)”, “comfy (R95)”, “warm and comfy (R100)”, and “VIP (R159)”.
“Warm” gets you a blanket, while “comfy” includes the hire of backrests. You’re not allowed to take your own chairs as these might block the view of those behind you.
The “VIP” package includes entry, a blanket, backrest, premium reserved seating, popcorn, sweets and a cold cider.
While there are food stalls and bars at each venue, you are allowed to bring a picnic basket. You can also bring your own alcohol to the non-wine estate venues.
The Cape Town open-air cinema concept grew from a single venue – Kirstenbosch – in November 2012, says Galileo MD Huenu Solsona.
“That season saw us screening 23 movies on Wednesday nights in the gardens,” says Argentina-born Huenu. “People loved the concept.”
The next year she was approached by the operators of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and offered the lawn in front of the Springbok Rugby Museum.
That became the Thursday night venue.
Since then the concept has grown rapidly year on year and Galileo now has a significant footprint across the peninsula and winelands.
This year’s movie schedule began on October 31 (with A Nightmare on Elm Street at Kirstenbosch) and closes off with Pride and Prejudice at Knorhoek at the end of April.
Kids can look forward to The Lion King, The Jungle Book and Home Alone.
Galileo does not screen on-circuit movies.
There are evergreen musicals Mamma Mia, Grease and Dirty Dancing as well as a fair sprinkling of chick flicks.
There are few out-and-out “boy” movies simply because it is generally women who make the bookings.
Nonetheless, the guys are catered for by offerings such as Fast and Furious and The Matrix. The full schedule can be found on Galileo’s website.
“If a movie is cancelled due to bad weather, we will inform you via email and SMS either the day before or on the day of the event before doors open,” she says.
“You then have the option of choosing another movie on another date or getting a refund.”