Unless you are a goth or a grave robber, a cemetery is probably the last place you would consider hanging out. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery, located right off the 101 freeway and Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, is not normally a good-time destination. But every Saturday night in the summer, it morphs into a hub for hip moviegoers with the Cinespia film-screening program.
Every Saturday night in the summer, Hollywood Forever Cemetery morphs into a hub for hip moviegoers with the Cinespia film-screening program.
Simply put, Cinespia is an organization that shows movies in a graveyard. This is may be an odd concept to some, but anyone who actually goes to the event will walk away with his or her opinion changed.
The atmosphere is very communal. Everyone in the place is there because they have a love for the cinema. They are so passionate that they will spend the night under the stars watching their favorite stars on the screen.
It may sound funny to say, but going to Cinespia is almost like going to a picnic. The organizers encourage patrons to bring food and drinks. As you wait in line, there are several large groups that bring picnic baskets and often share food with those around them.
Groups bring blankets to lie out on or small chairs to sit in for the duration of the movie. It is important to remember that you will be sitting for the entire duration of a movie. People in chairs are designated to special areas, as not to block the views of people who just have small blankets.
The actual films that are shown vary from old Hollywood classics to modern cult films. The first time I went, they showed the old cult film Over the Edge, starring a very young Matt Dillon.
The most popular screening of the season has to be the annual showing of the Jack Nicholson classic, Chinatown. The fact that the movie is set in L.A., and, as the organizers point out at the beginning of the screening, John Huston, who plays the evil Noah Cross, is actually buried there, makes the movie experience that much more nostalgic.
The lavish grounds of the cemetery are also an attraction. Many of the graves belong to famous people from the entertainment industry.
The horror movies, especially any having to do with zombies, are also a big draw. There have even been numerous celebrity spottings there. You can see a great movie, mingle with the rich and famous, and share alcoholic beverages with friends all in one place.
Each Saturday, the gate opens at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 9:00 p.m. There is also a $10 cover charge. Before and after the movie, a DJ plays; sometimes incorporating music from the movie that is playing or just playing some fantastic early '60s and '70s music.
Also before the movie begins, they have a slide show of many fabulous movie posters that are allegedly owned by a single private collector.
The lavish grounds of the cemetery are also an attraction. Many of the graves belong to famous people from the entertainment industry. Right by the actual screening area, there is a large statue of the late Johnny Ramone to commemorate his grave sight.
Start rounding up your friends for this summer movie-watching extravaganza because Cinespia 2008 kicks off in May.
Upon attending a Cinespia event, the general opinion you hold of cemeteries may drastically change. I wasn't able to receive any good advice about what to do in case of a zombie outbreak, but that is a chance you will just have to take.
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