originally published: 06/19/2023

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Montclair Film has announced the return of its annual Movie Night Under The Stars summer series. All films will start at sunset and will be free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics.

The series kicks off with Tom Cruise’s return in Top Gun: Maverick shown on Lackawanna Plaza (near Crane Park) on Sunday, July 16 (rain date July 23). Tom Cruise trains a group of Top Gun graduates - including the son of his best friend, Rooster - for a dangerous mission. Along with Cruise, the film stars Lewis Pullman, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, and Val Kilmer. This film is presented in partnership with the Montclair Center BID and is part of their Summer Sunday events in Montclair Center.

On Sunday, August 6 (rain date August 13), Montclair Film will feature the 1985 classic, The Goonies in Essex County Anderson Park. Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Martha Plimpton, Kerri Green, and Ke Huy Quan star as a group of kids set out on an adventure in search of pirate treasure that could save their homes from foreclosure.

Finally on Saturday, August 26 (rain date August 27), they present Encanto in Essex County Brookdale Park Archery Field. This film by Walt Disney Animation Studios tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family who live in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. Each child (except for Mirabel) has been blessed with a magic gift unique to them, but when the family’s home is threatened, Mirabel may be their only hope.

While registration is not required, it is recommended that you register on montclairfilm.org to get up to date information in the event of a weather delay.

“There is nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars on a summer evening,” said Artistic Director/Co-Head Tom Hall. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this free program each year to our community and we look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy these terrific films.”

Montclair Film, a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization connects filmmakers from around the region and world with audiences by presenting films and year-round programs that engage, educate, and entertain through the power of visual storytelling. In addition to owning and operating The Clairidge, Montclair’s six screen art house cinema, the organization also hosts the annual Montclair Film Festival which will take place from October 20-29, 2023. Montclair Film is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and all programs are made possible with funds from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, as well as the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, among many others. Montclair Film provides unique and meaningful ways to engage with diverse, creative, and sophisticated audiences and seeks sponsors for its signature film festival, educational programs, and other year-round community events that attract more than 46,000 annual attendees and generate more than 800 million media impressions yearly.