Sunset brings the movies back to the park

Grab some popcorn and a blanket because it’s finally show time at Sunset Park.

After a long battle lasting nearly a decade surrounding the sound ban on the park, this summer, residents can finally enjoy watching films and participate in festivities throughout the season with several events at the 24-acre Park.

As of now, four movies are slated to be shown on the lawn entrance at 44^th Street, not only offering scenic views of the waterfront and skyline, but also serving up classic films of all genres on a giant screen.

Vanessa Velez DeGarcia, a resident who attended the season’s first movie night on Thursday, July 9, was happy to be a part of the viewing of “E.T.” despite it being cancelled mid-flick due to rain. “I love movies in the park because it gives people an opportunity to do something with the whole family and stay close to home rather than leaving the neighborhood,” she said.

This past May, Executive Director of the Sunset Park Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) Renee Giordano, got a call from the Brooklyn Parks Commissioner to inform her that the ban had been lifted, allowing the screenings to take place. “The BID is ecstatic to have successfully worked with the community through Sunset Parker on Facebook to overturn the amplified sound ban, allowing us to be able to sponsor events in the Park such as Movies Night for our customers,” she said. “Residents are so excited about the movies that even with the threat of rain, the park was full.  Many people are even asking if we can have a movie in the park every week.”

Over ten years ago, residents living near the park were upset by the amount of noise coming from the park, such as music blasting and kids playing. The residents went to Community Board 7 and requested a zero tolerance policy against amplified sound in the park. After consulting with the Parks Department, the request was approved, putting an end to both movie nights and concerts in the park.

After several attempts to lift the ban, including the collection of data through the Freedom of Information Law and numerous discussions with Parks, the zero tolerance policy came to an end in time for the summer with the help of Renee’s husband, Executive director of Sunset Park Restoration Tony Giordano.

“Tony and I never felt defeated. We knew what we had to do and that was to mobilize the community to confront this obvious injustice,” said Renee. “The BID directors have provided funding and the community is overjoyed.”

The next movie shown will be “X-Men: Days of Future Past” on Friday, July 17, to be sponsored by Senator Jesse Hamilton. On Sunday, August 2, attendees can catch the original Jurassic Park and on Friday, August 14 “La Bamba” will be the feature presentation.

There is also a chance two more viewings will take place.