Wex Center heads to South Drive-in for 1980s films this summer

While the Wexner Center has hosted Wex Center “Drive-in” Films on location in past years, in 2021 they are taking some favorite films to the big screen at South Drive-in. 

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The Wex heads to South Drive-in with a free series of three popular and critically acclaimed films of the 1980s, presented monthly beginning Sunday, June 6. 

Admission to all screenings in the Wex series is free, but space is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Complete details about the films to screen will be available at wexarts.org. Information about the venue, including COVID-19 protocols in place, is available at drive-inmovies.com.

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Schedule for Wex Center at South Drive-in

The series debut is a Zoom Family Program full of extras for patrons to enjoy online and on-site, presented with support from CoverMyMeds. 

The features scheduled for July and August will each be preceded by an Ohio-made short film; selected shorts will be announced closer to the screening dates.

Sunday, June 6: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Doors open at 8:30 PM, film begins at approx. 9:15 PM

Steven Spielberg’s timeless film follows the unforgettable adventure of a lost alien and the 10-year-old boy (Henry Thomas) he befriends. Imitated countless times but still singular, E.T. introduced audiences to Drew Barrymore and Reese’s Pieces, and had kids around the world saying “E.T. phone home.” (115 mins., DCP, rated PG for language and mild thematic elements)

For this Zoom Family Program, there will be a companion reading list created by partners at Columbus Metropolitan Library, along with additional film recommendations, a coloring page, and crafty how-to videos. These will be shared in advance at wexarts.org/zoom. On site before the film, there will be free Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, craft bags for kids with project instructions, and a help table staffed by the center’s Learning & Public Practice team. Attendees are strongly encouraged to RSVP here by June 2 to reserve a spot.

Thursday, July 15: Escape from New York (1981)

Doors open at 8:30 PM, film begins at approx. 9:15 PM

John Carpenter’s dystopian cult favorite looks ahead to the distant future of… 1997, when a crime-ridden US of A has converted the island of Manhattan into one big, maximum-security prison. When Air Force One crashes there, master criminal Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) is given 24 hours to rescue the president. The memorable cast also includes Lee Van Cleef, Isaac Hayes, Ernest Borgnine, Harry Dean Stanton, Adrienne Barbeau, and Donald Pleasance as the president. (99 mins., 4K DCP, rated R)

Thursday, August 12: Do the Right Thing (1989)

Doors open at 8 PM, film begins at approx. 8:45 PM

Spike Lee’s modern classic portrays a vibrant, predominantly African American Brooklyn neighborhood on the hottest day of the summer. Against an orchestral score by Bill Lee (Spike’s father) and numerous rap hits including Public Enemy’s original song “Fight the Power,” racial tensions build to a climax that could’ve been ripped from today’s headlines. The filmmaker also stars, leading an illustrious ensemble that includes Danny Aiello, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosie Perez, Samuel L. Jackson, and more. (120 mins., DCP, rated R) 

South Drive-In
3050 S. High St.
Columbus, Ohio

Read more about South Drive-in here!

Flea market and drive-in movies at the South Drive In Theatre

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