Once again, the Long Beach Cinematheque has partnered with Alfredo’s Beach Club to present Moonlight Classics on the Beach, a free film series that runs every Monday and Tuesday night throughout the Summer, from July 2nd ’til September 4th. 

The Long Beach Cinematheque, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering the Long Beach film scene, has launched a Kick Starter campaign to help cover the costs of the exhibition fees. I asked Logan Crow, Executive Director and Founder of the Long Beach Cinematheque, how the series began.

“The series has been going for years,” said Logan, “thanks to Fred Khammar, who runs Alfredo’s Beach Club. Fred’s an avid film lover, and has been screening family-friendly classics on his inflatable screens by his food shacks along the beach.

“Last year, we joined forces and I programmed some more drive-in, classic, cult cinema-type fare to the series, like ‘Rebel Without A Cause’ and ‘Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.’ We closed with ‘The Shining,’ which was packed. There had to be at least 800 people out there, stretched far down the beach.

“This year, he invited me to program the entire series, with classic, cult, and drive-in fare on Mondays, and family-friendly fare on Tuesdays. His only requests were a repeat of ‘Jaws’ and ‘E.T.,’ which are Summer favorites, and a screening of last year’s ‘Real Steel,’ which did really well with families. We’re also bringing Woodstock back by popular demand. Last year’s screening was truly something magical.”

I asked him how was the film series was funded last year.

“Last year,” Logan said, “the series as a whole was sponsored by Charter Communications. The titles I brought in were covered by a Kickstarter campaign, as well as some sponsorship support from local businesses like Lola’s and Moxi Skates. Although we screen the films free of charge to the public, the studios still charge exhibition fees. It’s an expense that has to be paid, whether one charges or not.

“Our Kickstarter campaign for this year’s series has been going great, in large part thanks to a most awesome Matching Campaign that Fish Tale Seafood Restaurant offered. They generously donated $750 to the campaign, matching gifts from the community. We should tirelessly promote and acknowledge local businesses like Fish Tale who get behind art and community projects. It’s never any surprise to me that it’s these businesses who get a lot of local business, and a lot of love.

“This year,” Logan continued, “I programmed several films that are celebrating notable anniversaries. ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,’ ‘Pink Floyd’s The Wall,’ and ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn’ are turning 30. ‘Annie Hall’ turns 35 this year, and Casablanca is celebrating its 70th!! I also threw in a couple of great films from last year, including the Academy Award winning ‘Hugo,’ and my personal favorite film from last year, the criminally underseen ‘Drive.’

“I love this particular program,” explained Logan, “because it provides me with the rare opportunity not only to bring great films to the community, but also to provide them free of charge. Free access to the arts is imperative, and cinema rarely gets included in that scenario. Plus, of course, seeing these movies on the beach is such a fantastic experience.”

—

Contribute to the Kick Starter campaign.

Learn more about Alfredo’s Beach Club.