Bringing the magic of the movies to the masses, even during a pandemic, is no small feat — but Siree and Ayana Morris have made it happen. The husband-and-wife team recently opened Newark Moonlight Cinema, a drive-thru movie theater in Newark, New Jersey, marking the first such operation in the city since the mid-1960s (NJ.com).
The couple, a filmmaker and real estate developer duo, were uniquely positioned to bring this vision to life. With expertise in both creative storytelling and property development, they were able to craft the detailed plans and proposals necessary to transform the former Newark Bears baseball stadium into an innovative cinematic experience.
According to NJ.com, the inspiration struck after Ayana’s documentary, Why Is We Americans?, screened at an outdoor film festival earlier this year. Seeing the enthusiasm of audiences gathered outdoors, the Morrises realized that a drive-thru model could safely bring people together during a time of social distancing while celebrating the community and Black storytelling.
Moviegoers entering the lot are greeted with festive music and an array of food and snack options delivered directly to their cars via the FanFood app, creating a seamless, contactless experience (NBC News). With a 55-foot screen and audio transmitted through each vehicle’s radio, every seat is truly the best in the house. The theater offers one film per night, Friday through Sunday, at 9 p.m., allowing attendees to enjoy cinema from the comfort of their own vehicles.
The films have been carefully curated to celebrate Black artistry, featuring works that highlight both established Black filmmakers and rising talent from Newark. So far, audiences have enjoyed classics and contemporary favorites such as Set It Off, Girls Trip, Just Mercy, and Creed 2, providing entertainment that is both culturally meaningful and widely appealing (The New York Times).
Operating only on weekends, Newark Moonlight Cinema accommodates up to 350 cars and creates a sense of shared community while adhering to safety guidelines. The drive-in officially launched on July 24 and is slated to run through October 4, giving residents a unique summer-to-fall experience that blends nostalgia, culture, and innovation.
By combining creativity, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to celebrating Black art, the Morrises have reimagined the drive-in theater for a modern audience — proving that even in challenging times, ingenuity can transform a vision into an unforgettable experience.
