IN IMAGES – At Joué-lès-Tours, a “drive-in” cinema with a family atmosphere to end the holidays

At sunset, the giant screen stands in front the two hundred cars neatly lined up. This Friday evening, the film “The Lion King”, a recent version of the famous 1994 cartoon, is broadcast to the delight of young and old. “I love movies“exclaims Manaël, six years old, who can’t sit still in the back of his mother’s car.

We wait while waiting for the start of the session: it has to be dark to see the screen well! © Radio France
Camille Huppenoire

The atmosphere is relaxed, “good kid“as the deputy for culture and outreach of the town of Joué-lès-Tours describes it.”The cars are almost key-key, we open the windows, we see people chatting before the film” says Caroline Chalopin. If the “drive-in”, the outdoor cinema that you follow from your car, arrived in Joué-lès-Tours in 2020 to compensate for the loss of events canceled due to the pandemic, it seems set to last. “It’s an original concept, I like it. As long as it works, we continue.”

Finding each car a location with a good view of the screen is a real challenge
Finding each car a location with a good view of the screen is a real challenge © Radio France
Camille Huppenoire

For the teams and services of the municipality, it’s a hell of an organization. They are mobilized for the technique, the assembly and dismantling of the structures, the reception of the visitors, the placement of the cars on this car park of the Leclerc shopping center and even distributing free popcorn!

The sound of the film can be picked up via car radios, on an FM frequency.
The sound of the film can be picked up via car radios, on an FM frequency. © Radio France
Camille Huppenoire

On the dinner side, the municipality has imagined a partnership with the nearby McDonald’s brand: each car wishing burgers and other fries for dinner receives a number hung on the rear windshield. To order, we activate the warnings… and the teams of the sign come running. Ordering, payment and delivery are done “home” a mother laughs while receiving her burgers. She took her two children to see the film. “It is true that it changes from classic cinema. And then it’s the end of the holidays, we enjoy a moment with the family.”

Popcorn Round!
Popcorn Round! © Radio France
Camille Huppenoire


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