This Family Just Opened a Black-Owned Drive-Thru Movie Theater in New Jersey

Siree and Ayanna Morris, a couple from Newark, New Jersey, have opened a drive-thru movie theater called Newark Moonlight Cinema to bring entertainment to people while considering health precautions in the midst of the pandemic.

The duo of filmmaker and real estate developer thought of the idea from the screening of Ayanna's documentary Why Is We Americans? that was held at an outdoor film festival earlier in 2020. It is reportedly the first drive-thru movie theater that has operated in the city of Newark since the mid-1960s.

Newark Moonlight Cinema, which is located at the former Newark Bears baseball stadium (new location in 2021), can hold up to 350 cars per screening. Moviegoers can enjoy the movies from the comfort of their cars via a 55-foot screen and audio that's available on each car's radio. There are also food and snack options available via the Fanfood app.

Since launching, the new outdoor theater has shown movies such as Just Mercy, Girls Trip, Set It Off, and Creed 2 that highlight Black filmmakers, talents, and arts as well as those that emerged from Newark.

For more information about Newark Moonlight Cinema or to buy tickets, visit www.newarkmoonlight.com