'Goldfinger’ to sing-along ’Grease’: How to see seven movies by boat, kayak or car around Fort Lauderdale
You may have heard about the boat-in movies and drive-in shows that are part of the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival’s pivot to COVID-safe programming. Not only do they offer a unique way to get out as a family or group, but when you do the math on most ticket prices, it’s a pretty good deal.
Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 7, there are seven such screenings scheduled from Coral Ridge Yacht Club to Dania Pointe, including two James Bond films and sing-along versions of “Grease” and the Queen homage “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Here’s how to do it up right. Remember, all tickets must be purchased in advance.
Saturday, Nov. 7
FLIFF’s newest screening location is at Dania Pointe, the still-evolving 102-acre retail-residential development along I-95 at 139 S. Compass Way, Dania Beach. On Saturday, Nov. 7, it will be the site of a drive-in screening of the quirky coming-of-age comedy “Dinner in America,” starring newcomers Emily Skeggs and Kyle Gallner, and produced by Ben Stiller. Variety called it a “rambunctious mix of anarchic humor and misfit romance.”
The most convenient entrance to the screening lot is located on the east side of the center on Bryan Road, north of Sterling Road, where you’ll find FLIFF’s neon-aided parking assistants to direct you. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with the film at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own concessions or order from nearby Dania Pointe restaurants. Tickets cost $35 per vehicle at FLIFF.com.
Thursday, Nov. 12
A longtime favorite of the karaoke-movie crowd, the sing-along version of “Grease” will be shown Nov. 12 in a drive-in format at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club, 2800 Yacht Club Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.
A screen will be set up in the parking lot just inside the front entrance, with gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the film starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $35 per vehicle at FLIFF.com, with separate reservations for trucks and SUVs to allow them to allocate enough space for all (same ticket price for all vehicles).
The club will have food and drink available. Those who order in advance get discounted prices and delivery to their car. Visit FLIFF.com.
Friday, Nov. 13
Instant sing-along cinema classic “Bohemian Rhapsody” will bring arena-rock anthems to a drive-in audience on Friday, Nov. 13, at Dania Pointe. The Oscar-winning 2018 Freddie Mercury biopic goes on at 7:30 p.m. (paired with the 54-minute indie comedy “The Ride”). Again, gates open an hour before the films and you can look for FLIFF’s neon-glowing parking assistants to guide you in. Bring your own concessions or order from nearby Dania Pointe restaurants. Tickets cost $35 per vehicle at FLIFF.com.
Saturday, Nov. 14
FLIFF’s water-borne celebration of James Bond takes place Nov. 14 on two floating screens set up in Sunrise Bay at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club.
The schedule includes “Casino Royale” (the 2006 Daniel Craig version) at 6:30 p.m. and the classic “Goldfinger,” starring Sean Connery, at 7 p.m. The evening will kick off with a video salute to the career of Connery, who died Oct. 31 at 90.
It’s called a boat-in, but the yacht club will rent you a kayak ($70 single, $80 tandem, includes admission), paddle board ($80) or canoe ($90). If you already own one of these watercraft, you can float up for $25
Anchored in the bay will be several floating cabanas (“aquabanas”), which can accommodate up to five people ($100) who will be ferried to their seats by dinghy.
Boat admission varies by vessel, beginning at $100 for boats 26-40 feet, $200 for 41 feet larger (price covers everyone on it). Visit FLIFF.com.
Coral Ridge Yacht Club will have food and drink available for delivery by dinghy. Order in advance for a discount, or on the night of at regular prices.
Guests are encouraged to dress themselves and their craft in a 007 theme for a contest to be judged by the Winterfest Boat Parade team. Trophies will be handed out.
Friday, Nov. 20
The pulsing romance “Heartbeats” will be shown several times during FLIFF, including a 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 drive-in screening at Dania Pointe. “Heartbeats” follows a feisty college student and hip-hop dancer (Krystal Ellsworth) as she finds love and a new style of dance in India. For this screening a QR code will be available to order food and have it delivered to you. Admission is $35 per vehicle. Visit FLIFF.com.
Saturday, Nov. 21
Longtime FLIFF supporter Steven Savor will host a boat-in fundraiser screening of the 2004 comedy-caper “After the Sunset” at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 in Sunset Lake on the Las Olas Isles, followed by an after-party at Savor’s Villa dePalma. “After the Sunset” stars Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek, directed by South Florida native Brett Ratner.
Bring your own boat, rent one from FLIFF or watch it as a VIP aboard yacht Savoir-Faire, with open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres. Tickets start at $100 per person at FLIFF.com.
Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com.
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