LOOK: Could Paris’ Floating Movie Theater Be Part of the Future of Cinema?

LOOK: Could Paris’ Floating Movie Theater Be Part of the Future of Cinema?

Guests can peacefully watch two free screenings from socially distant boats.
by Kyzia Maramara | July 16, 2020

The world is trying their hardest to bring back a semblance of normalcy close to our lives pre-pandemic but there are sacrifices and changes to be made. Most of these are because we need to practice strict social distancing to contain the spread of the coronavirus. This means we can’t crowd malls anymore or sit next to strangers in restaurants, and we certainly can’t fill up an entire theater.

While film buffs mourn over closed movie theaters, some companies are trying to solve the problem in a creative way. Recently, France has allowed its movie theaters to operate at 50% capacity but that isn’t enough. For an annual event, they are introducing the concept of a floating movie theater.

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Paris’ Le Cinema Sur l’Eau puts a spin on traditional movie drive-ins. Instead of driving to an open lot to watch a film, movie-goers can climb on a boat and float on the river Seine.

Le Cinema Sur l’Eau literally translates to “cinema on the water.” It is part of the annual Paris Plages that will be held on July 18. The event is “a city-run program that creates temporary beaches in the French capital during the summer.”

A fleet of 38 electric boats is set to float on the river, each accommodating two to six people following strict social distancing measures. For Parisians to be able to enjoy the free screening, they have to enter a raffle that ends on July 15. Those who don’t win can watch at deckchairs on dry land on a first-come, first-served basis.