In keeping with an evolving RIOC tradition, their summer movie series for 2024 involves films aimed only at children, much like the orientation on Roosevelt Island Day. Happily, though, our next-door neighbors in Long Island City offer a series more broadly focused along with some thematic fun.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
“I’m Confused…”
“Did I miss an Email?’ one veteran Roosevelt Islander asked. “An Advisory? Posts on various Social Media where I do not follow RIOC? Were there any movies to vote on that were not totally child-focused?”
The departure from normal was more extensive. Some of it might be justified because RIOC staffing has been stripped down. Personnel shortages exist across the board, but there’s also some carelessness, lack of leadership and a profound failure to reach out.
Look at the poster below. Forget for a moment that the movie schedule has been cut back from the usual six to four – without any explanation. But where is the location? The starting time for activities planned ahead of the films – assuming there are any?
Then, consider this, there was no advisory or press release for the summer movie series, just social media posts, yet another blow to older adults who may not be clinging to their smartphones, anticipating the next TikTok post.
What the hell was RIOC thinking? Why is it pushing broad sections of the community aside? Where’s the engagement?
We can’t answer any of these questions, but we can report on a nearby summer movie series to which you are invited. It’s just a short NYC Ferry hop from home – where you just might feel even more at home.
Summer Movie Fun a Short Ferry Hop Over to LIC
“Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC) is pleased to announce that CinemaLIC will return to Hunter’s Point South Park for a tenth year in the summer of 2024. This year will feature six films in the park, with the season debuting on Thursday, June 22 followed by screenings on July 20, August 2, August 9, September 13, and October 26 as part of the 2nd annual Halloween on the Waterfront.”
You may notice the enthusiasm, the welcoming tone…
“For the June 22 screening, HPPC is partnering with Nest Seekers, the PS IS 78Q PTA, and Ottomanelli’s by the Water for a series launch event ahead of a screening of The Barbie Movie.
“There will be family activities, a Barbie photobooth provided by the PS IS 78Q PTA with photos taken by Velvet Turtle Events, and themed cocktails available from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
“At 7:30pm, there will be a costume contest with prizes going to the best individual costume and the best family costume. People are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Barbie, Ken, Skipper, or Allan, ranging from Malibu beachwear to doctor, astronaut, or any of Barbie’s many other professions.”
Summer Movies at Hunters Point
SUMMER 2024 SEASON:
June 22nd – Barbie
July 20th – Wonka
August 2nd – Groundhog Day
August 9th – Clueless
September 3rd – Aladdin
October 26th – The Addams Family
Movies start at sunset.
More to Enjoy
“On July 20, TF Cornerstone is sponsoring a screening of Wonka, and Nest Seekers is supporting a screening of Groundhog Day on August 2, and Clueless of August 9. We will end our summer series with Shibley Day Camp’s screening of the animated Aladdin on September 13.
“We’ll show our final movie of 2024, the original Addams Family, on October 26 in partnership with Nest Seekers and the PS IS 78Q PTA.”
“HPPC is again working with Rooftop Films to provide a state-of-the-art viewing experience in the park, featuring a 30’ inflatable screen with enhanced video projection equipment, allowing for remarkable color, clarity and sound and a fantastic experience for all moviegoers even when the oval is completely full of spectators.
“Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the movies at Ottomanelli’s by the Water. No alcoholic beverages are permitted to be brought into the park or consumed outside of the designated picnic area next to Ottomanelli’s. HPPC also asks that all moviegoers remember to clean up any food or beverages they bring with them.”
More information on the events and any updates due to weather can be found at www.cinemalic.com and www.hunterspointparks.org.
That, we think, is how a healthy community celebrates an outdoor summer movie series.
Enjoy the shows. Summer can be fun in New York City and outdoor movies are always part of it. Don’t let RIOC’s lackluster efforts dampen your fun, though. You have alternatives, but you might inspire RIOC into doing better next year.
The Line That Didn’t Land
I stood in the back of Good Shepherd Chapel on the evening of April 15, 2026, at the Steam Plant Demolition Town Hall, watching people adjust scarves and jackets before the meeting began. Benjamin Jones, President and CEO of RIOC, thanked us for attending and, without a pause, said he was “pleased to host tonight’s town hall on the city’s demolition of its steam plant.” The demolition, in other words, was not up for discussion.
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