As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, many movie theaters have been forced to close their doors. However, drive-in movie theaters have seen a resurgence in popularity as a safe and socially distanced way to enjoy entertainment. In Southern California, there are several drive-in theater options that have stayed true to mid-century customs and offer special screenings for people of color. The classic drive-in movie theater experience is making a comeback as people look for ways to safely enjoy entertainment during the pandemic.
With the closure of regular theaters and concerts, drive-ins have become an attractive option for people of color who want to come together and enjoy movies while still adhering to social distancing guidelines. In Germany and South Korea, drive-in theaters have seen a boom in ticket sales since the countries tightened their measures against the coronavirus in February and closed regular movie theaters. Autokino Essen, one of only two drive-in theaters operating all year round in Germany, has sold out since the country closed in early March. In South Korea, the Nowon district installed a 1,100-square-foot screen in a local park and screens old movies free of charge to the public who will be traveling by car.
In Southern California, there are several drive-in theater options that have stayed true to mid-century customs. The Costa Mesa camp hosts live concerts with lots of local and regional talent in the spotlight every week. A complete renovation in 2000 raised the theater to modern standards for going to the movies and gave the venue a vintage Route 66 feel. Cinema 80, a 170-seat cinema in Daegu, at the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in Korea, ticket sales increased by 20 percent for films such as the biopic Judy about Judy Garland and the horror title The Turning, according to its owner, Seong-soo Kim. Drive-in movie theaters are a great way for people of color to come together and enjoy entertainment while staying safe during this difficult time.
Southern California offers several drive-in theater options that offer special screenings for people of color. These theaters provide an opportunity for people of color to enjoy movies safely while still adhering to social distancing guidelines. At least two New York movie theaters, the Four Brothers in Amenia and the Warwick Drive-In in Warwick, have requested exemptions from non-essential restrictions. It began its journey in 1948 with a single screen, and that original screen, inspired by Art Deco, is still the center of the theater today, although the pet zoo, the miniature railway and other attractions that attracted crowds in the early years have fallen by the way. With more states considering allowing drive-ins to reopen, it's clear that this old business still has life left in it. Drive-in movie theaters are a great way for people of color to come together and enjoy entertainment while staying safe during this difficult time.
