August 2008Bernal Heights Outdoor CinemaBy Emily Ruth HendersonFounded by two friends working on the annual Bernal Heights Street Fair, who hoped to provide an entertaining venue to bring neighbors together, the Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema (BHOC) will return this Labor Day weekend for its fifth year. The 10-day event – that presents free screenings of short films by local filmmakers – opens at the popular Mission Street bar El Rio on August 28th, and wraps up with a screening of all the films at Zeum at the Yerba Buena Center on September 7th. In between additional screenings will be held in and around Bernal Heights, including films for children at Red Hill Books on Cortland Avenue; and screenings in Holly Park that will be preceded by a day of live jazz and refreshments. All of the films are suitable for children and families, and a meet-the-filmmakers reception will be held before every screening. Gaining in popularity and credibility over the years, the BHOC received its highest number of submissions this year, enabling the organizers to showcase more local talent. “The response from local producers of videos is very heartening,” said BHOC co-founder, Anne Batmale. “This year we’re previewing many works from folks who have never submitted before.” Though a Bernal Heights resident, BHOC co-founder Leslie Lombre has strong ties to the Potrero community. “I used to live at Carolina and 20th,” “My heart is still there,” said Lombre. Batmale and Lombre have considered organizing a screening in a Potrero park; however, their Bernal Heights screenings are so community-driven they know they would need a lot of support to pull it off. “Wouldn’t that be cool?” said Leslie. Free. Information: www.bhoutdoorcine.org |
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