Summer Time Open Air Movies
by Sarah Scaddan
During the summer months in Geneva, a handful of large outdoor cinema screens are set up on the shores of Lake Geneva and in our city’s lovely parks. Films start late, waiting for the sun to go down, and a wide range of films are screened in many languages. There are classics, new releases, theme nights and arthouse films to choose from. Allianz Cinema is a more formal experience with tiered seating and a bar and restaurant. At other open air cinemas, you can bring your own chairs or picnic blankets, and get cosy under the stars. Here’s our round-up of what’s on offer:
THE CHILLED CINEMA – Ciné Transat
Situated in Parc de la Perle du Lac, this cinema experience is free of charge so it is best to get there early to get a good spot. Films may be old, but they are quality. There is a snack bar, public toilets and a limited amount of deck chairs to hire, but this is the place to bring your own blankets, make yourself comfy, enjoy a picnic and chilled wine from your cool box.
DATES
11th July-18th August 2019.
PROGRAMME
Lots of old favourites including The Karate Kid, Pulp Fiction, High Fidelty, Sister Act and When Harry Met Sally .
For the full programme https://www.cinetransat.ch
COST
Free unless you choose to hire a deckchair.
LOCATION
Parc de la Perle du Lac, close to the Botanical Gardens.
BRING WITH YOU
Something comfy to sit or lie on, food and drink, mosquito spray and something warm for late at night and a raincoat.
THE DELUXE CINEMA – Allianz Cinema
Previously known as Salt Cinema and Cine du Lac, this theatre fascinates me every year as it looks like such a mission to erect. A team of divers are employed to secure the cinema which extends out into the lake, and the whole things takes weeks to erect, just for four weeks of fun. Seats are tiered and if it rains, raincoats are swiftly distributed. There is a bar and restaurant and if you book in advance, this is also a good position to watch Fete de Genève fireworks. The toilets are also very civilised – bonus.
DATES
10th July-25th August 2019.
PROGRAMME
There is a smaller programme of English language films this year but they include some of the great films from the last 12 months. Choose from The Dead Don’t Die, Boy Erased, Green Book, Bohemiam Rhapsody, A Star is Born, The Mule, A Rainy Day in New York and more. For the full programme https://geneve.allianzcinema.ch
COST
CHF15 per adult.
LOCATION
Port-Noir, Genève (close to Genève Plage). Parking at Genève Plage.
BRING WITH YOU
Warm clothes or a blanket for when the sun goes down and don’t forget the mosquito repellent.
THE LOCAL CINEMA – Plan-les-Ouates
Free of charge, four films are to be screened over the summer in the commune of Plan-les-Ouates:
Wall-E, Sherlock Homes and The Adventures of TinTin.
For dates and further information https://www.plan-les-ouates.ch/agenda
THE EDUCATIONAL CINEMA – CERN
Running 3-7 July 2019, the CineGlobe film festival at Cern will this year explore the interface between science and cinema under the theme “Transformation/Transcendence”. Featuring an entirely open-air programme of short films (documentary, fiction and a special youth selection), feature-length films, interactive photography workshops, hands-on activities and immersive experiences, there’s something for everyone. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of seats can be booked for free online:
The full programme can be found at https://cineglobe.ch
THE FLOATING CINEMA – Cine Gitana, Bellevue
For the fourth year running, the commune of Bellevue will be screening films on a floating screen at Port Gitana from the 22-25th August 2019.
To date the programme has not been announced, but visit their website for more details when they become available
http://www.movies.ch/fr/kino/openaircinemagitanabellevue/
If you know of any other outdoor cinema events being held in Geneva, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can add to this list, contact info@thingstodoingeneva.ch.
