Sunset and Stars
By Ana Clara Dondoni Braz | Culture | September 10, 2024
Cover Illustration: Outdoor cinema, 2018. Zhifei Zhou / Unsplash
Reporter Ana Clara Dondoni Braz reflects on how Pllek, a restaurant and outdoor cinema in Amsterdam Noord unites people in a cozy outdoor environment.
With summer around the corner, what could be better than watching movies and having drinks with friends in a beach setting? If you are looking for a new summer activity in Amsterdam, an outdoor cinema might be perfect.
Pllek is a restaurant in Amsterdam Noord that hosts “Films with a View,” a series of Tuesday evening movie nights in a beach-like outdoor cinema every year from May until September, with seats in the sand and a beautiful view of the whole city. Their program is updated monthly on their website, and tickets can be found online for 10 euros each (very student-friendly). Pllek also offers an option to buy tickets at the entrance 1.5 hours before the start of the movie, if it’s not already sold out.
Outdoor cinemas are not new – they have been popular for decades since the 1900’s. Theater owners started this summer tradition to enhance the glamor of the cinema for residents to appreciate a cultural activity under the stars. This turned into a unique blend of entertainment and socializing.
More and more outdoor cinemas have emerged in recent years: What was formerly considered a curiosity has evolved into a popular community event that leaves a lasting impression on people of all ages. With endless location possibilities and fresh air, there is definitely something magical about it.
By giving out bean bags, blankets, headphones, and presenting a welcoming atmosphere, Pllek offers a pleasant and relaxing experience for attendees.“The general energy happens during the night and in summer when it’s warm. It is so nice because you can chill in the sun and later see the stars while watching a movie. It feels cozy and connected,” says Maria, a former employee at Pllek.
“Even though it is outside, it is very comfy. It has lights hanging on top of the chairs, and you can lie down, which is very relaxing. People are usually happy, and the service is very helpful and polite,” states Maro, a regular attendee.
The events also foster a sense of community. Attendees commented that it’s a nice place to grab some wine and talk to people. They mentioned that most people, including the staff, are very open and friendly. After the movie, everyone laughs and claps, just enjoying the atmosphere.
By giving out bean bags, blankets, headphones, and presenting a welcoming atmosphere, Pllek offers a pleasant and relaxing experience for attendees.
The immense popularity and positive atmosphere at Pllek is also reflected in the suggestions by the interviewees. To increase attendance and further contribute to the outdoor cinema community, they raise the idea for the event to include the Cineville card. Many students own one and would more likely attend the films.
Being outdoors also has its perks. The setting is definitely what makes it interesting, turning the event into something more unique compared to other movie nights. “Completely different energy than being inside, people are just chilling on the beach and enjoying their drinks while watching a movie. And because they have the headphones they are kind of isolated from everyone else, so it’s as if they are all together in their own little world, which is very interesting,” commented a regular attendee.
Nonetheless, relying on the weather is tricky; especially in unpredictable Amsterdam, this can be quite difficult as the event only takes place with a positive weather forecast. If the forecast is negative, the organizers send an email canceling it and automatically refund the price of the ticket. So, even if you book weeks in advance, you never know if the event is actually going to happen.
“Films with a View” perfectly aligns with Amsterdam’s vibrant cultural scene, offering yet another unique and enjoyable activity for residents and visitors alike. They reinforce Amsterdam’s standing as a center of creative and artistic innovation by promoting community involvement, drawing a wide range of audiences, and delivering a fun and easily accessible cinematic experience.
Cinema events are evolving in response to changing audience preferences and technological advancements. Outdoor movie theaters have changed significantly over the years, with comfort improvements, interactive elements, unique locations, and environmental considerations. One thing that hasn’t changed is our love for watching films under the open sky.
As technology advances, outdoor movie experiences will continue to adapt to keep this cherished summertime tradition alive. To meet modern demands, outdoor cinemas are already enhancing their audio-visual equipment, making more comfortable seating, and using interactive elements. The future of outdoor cinema promises to combine nostalgia with cutting-edge features, making each screening a unique and engaging experience, whether through social media for event interaction or the newest projection technology. Pllek exemplifies these trends by offering cozy seating, advanced audiovisual technology, and a picturesque beach setting.
Ana Clara Dondoni Braz is a university student in Amsterdam. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Amsterdammer.
