Movies by moonlight
Island’s only drive-in opens Friday after missing 2021 season
“It’s been a tough go with lots of uncertainty but life goes on.” Angelo Sifnakis, co-owner
SYDNEY — Once upon a time, movie enthusiasts were limited to watching their favourite films at either the local cinema or the drive-in theatre.
Technological advances have drastically changed the landscape of the movie business from filming to special effects to how consumers view their films. Frustrated trying to make the new VCR work back in the early 1980s? No need to worry about that anymore. Nowadays, accessing video entertainment is as easy as opening a device and pressing a few buttons.
But nostalgia can weave its way through the seams of contemporary culture. And one of the threads still being sewed is that of the drive-in movie theatre. Sure, the outdoor venues are long removed from their heyday of the late1950s and early-1960s but many survive, including three in Nova Scotia.
The longest-running is the Valley Drive-In Theatre in Cambridge in the Annapolis Valley. It opened in 1950. The only other mainland Nova Scotia drive-in movie theatre is in Pictou County. The origins of the Highland Drive-In Theatre in Westville date back to the mid-1950s. It closed in 2013 but re-opened under new ownership in 2020.
In Cape Breton, movie-goers will soon have the option of once again taking in a flick at the island's only drive-in after co-owner Angelo Sifnakis opted to re-open the Cape Breton Drive-In Theatre.
“We're going to open on Friday and we'll see how things go now that we appear to be on the other side of the pandemic,” said Sifnakis, whose family established the business in 1975 back when Jaws was taking the cinematic world by storm and scaring people from beaches.
The retired advertising executive is hoping that 2022 will be a vast improvement over 2021 when he decided to remain closed for the entire season.
“It's been a tough go with lots of uncertainty but life goes on,” said Sifnakis.
“We're hoping that people are excited about the drive-in and will return to it. We've had great support in the past and we're looking for them to come back and enjoy movies
on our big screen.”
Sifnakis announced the reopening of the Cape Breton Drive-In Theatre on one of the business's social media platforms. And if the response on Facebook is any indication, area residents appear ready to once again visit the outdoor entertainment centre.
“Congratulations on opening this season — now, let's make sure we all go out and support this! We are fortunate to have it,” posted Devan Alexander White.
Added Carol Tanner: “Can't wait — I've been going there since I was a little girl. Lots of memories there.”
Fredericton resident Leah Haighway O'Keefe made a post promising to visit the drive-in when she returns home on vacation.
“OMG, it's OPEN!! My heart is happy. We will be there in July on our visit home to the Cape.”
FIRST SHOWING
Sifnakis said one of the reasons for not opening in 2021 was a dearth of available movies. He said that's not the case this year.
“From what I'm hearing there are lots more movies this year with new releases expected every week between now and Christmas,” he said.
This year, the drive-in's opening night movies are Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Strange, and Morbius featuring Jared Leto and former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith.
“It costs $20 for a carload so when you do the math it works out to be a very economical outing,” said Sifnakis.
“Just think of what it costs a family of four to do anything. Going to the drive-in is pretty good bang for the buck.”
Meanwhile, the Valley Drive-In opened last weekend, while the Highland Drive-In will be showing movies again as of May 20.