THE NEWTOWN ROAD BACKYARD FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THEIR 2019 Schedule

If you caught our Summer 2019 Outdoor Movie Guide, you’ll know all the major parks that are screening outdoor movies this season. BUT did you know there’s another wonderful spot for watching your favorite films under the stars—and it’s right in someone’s backyard?

Frank Zagottis, a film producer/professor/actor, has been hosting the The Newtown Road Backyard Film Festival for 13 years in his own backyard space on the West side of 46 St close to the corner of Newtown Road, between 31st Ave and Broadway.

Here’s what he says about the 2019 Season, themed “1989”:

After last year, I needed a connection to something a bit more personal. The 30th anniversary of 1989 is a celebration of a pivotal year that completely changed the trajectory of my life. It was also filled with some incredibly amazing films. Once I knew the theme, it was difficult to cut the number of good films down to fit the summer. Each one reminding me of one the milestone moments of my life during 1989. I hope you will join me in celebrating a very special year with some very special films in a very special setting – my own backyard.

And the schedule is below! Remember, since this festival happens on private property and is run by one individual, dates and times are subject to chance. Consult the Facebook group for any changes!

ACT I – The Journey Begins

• Friday, June 28 – Lean On Me (dir. John Avildsen) 3/3/89
• Saturday June 29 – Beaches (dir. Gary Marshall) 1/13/89
• Friday, July 5 – The Little Mermaid (dir. Ron Clements, John Musker) 12/17/89
• Saturday, July 20 – When Harry Met Sally (dir. Rob Reiner. ) 7/21/89
• Saturday, August 3 – Steel Magnolias (dir. Herbert Ross) 11/22/89
• Saturday, August 17 – The War of the Roses (dir. Danny DeVito) 12/8/89
• Saturday, August 31 – Sex, Lies, and Videotape (dir. Steven Soderbergh) 9/22/89
• Saturday, September 14 – The Fabulous Baker Boys (dir. Steve Kloves) 10/13/89

ACT II – “Weekends at the Backyard Drive-In”

• Friday, September 27 – Weekend At Bernies (dir. Ted Kotcheff) 7/5/89
• Saturday, September 28 – Heathers (dir. Michael Lehmann) 3/31/89
• Friday, October 4 – Back To The Future II – (dir. Stuart Hibbert) 11/22/89
• Saturday, October 5 -(Season Finale) Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade (dir. Steven Spielberg) 5/24/89
• Saturday, October 12 (Annual Encore) Rocky Horror Picture Show (dir. Jim Sharman)

2 Comments

Patricia donovan June 30th, 2019

This is wonderful! Do I need to make a reservation? I’d hate to get there to find there are too many folks and not enough room!! I expect a stampede after this is posted.

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Frank Zagottis July 1st, 2019

Hi! This is Frank, the curator and host of the festival! Once you join the Facebook group, I create an event for every screening. Within the event, you can click that you are going, and you can also post how many guests you are bringing. I also post in the event information regarding cancellation or postponement.
Many people often show up without RSVP, but at least this gives me a general headcount. And those who do respond to the event, get first Dibs on the seats. I can comfortably fit about 33 to 35 people. Hope to see you soon!

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