NEWARK – Friday night opens to the Newark Moonlight Cinema, the first drive-in in Newark since the 1980s.
And up there, on the very big screen, “Just Mercy,” starring Michael B. Jordan of Newark.
Jordan plays civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson in a 15-meter biographical drama about people wrong convicted.
More than three hundred cars filled with others from Newark and beyond arrived at Newark’s first ephemeral film park in four decades.
“I think it’s wonderful,” Newark resident Fawn Ross told PIX11 News. “People are hungry for things to do. We have friends from New York to Newark,” he added.
Tracey Pridgen is one of them.
“Newark succeeded. I don’t see anything like it in Brioklyn,” he says.
Newark Moonlight Cinema is a concept through Newark filmmaker Ayana Stafford-Morris and her husband, the real estate developer, Siree Morris.
It’s on the site of the former Newark Bears and Eagles Riverfront stadium at 54 Bridge Street.
For this couple, it is a dream come true and the possibility of showing the films that have marked their lives.
“For us, the sect classics are Ferris Bueller’s ‘day off,'” Ayana Stafford-Morris said. “Our cult classics are ‘Says It All’, ‘Friday’ and ‘Harlem Nights’. These are our cult classics.”
Your husband talked about the night’s logistics.
“You drive directly. There’s no cash,” Siree Morrissaid said. “You order food from the Fanfood app, you get an SMS when it’s ready, the social distance stays, we take it to your car.”
And even before the film started, there were two hours of food, camaraderie and organization.
“I’m happy to see the engagement,” Camille Williams, a student from Newark, told PIX11 News. “You often don’t listen to the positive stories of Newark. I’m proud of my city and I’m excited about tonight.”
Michael B. Jordan’s weekend continues with “Creed 2” and “Hardball,” and next weekend Newark star Queen Latifah and three of his films will be screened.
Tickets charge $12 according to the user and must be purchased online on their website.