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Aspen, CO (June 22, 2020)

Screenings Scheduled for Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27
*Screenings will be subject to the implementation of the forthcoming June 26 Pitkin County Public Health Order

Movie-going traditionally plays a huge role in summer entertainment around the country, including our own community. With the film industry delaying many highly anticipated releases during this time of COVID-19, Aspen Film is thrilled to announce a drive-in experience – Movies at the Meadows – presented by the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) in partnership with The Aspen Institute, The Aspen Meadows Resort, Rowland + Broughton and Aspen Music Festival and School.

“We are pleased to partner with Aspen Film for Movies at the Meadows as a gift to the community and a celebration of getting out after being in.” says President and CEO of the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Debbie Braun. “While summer 2020 will look quite different from Aspen summers as we have come to know and love them, the Aspen community is resilient and adapts to dynamic changes in our ecosystem. This event is just one example of how wonderful collaborations can come to life when faced with changes created by circumstances outside of our control.”

The films to be presented for the first Movies at the Meadows weekend are the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder on Friday, June 26, and Phil Alden Robinson’s 1990 Oscar® nominated (Best Picture) Field of Dreams on Saturday, June 27. (More information about the films follows at the end of this press release.) Each film will begin at sundown (approximately 8:45 PM). Admission for each car will be free however reservations are required as space is limited to 46 vehicles per night, keeping in line with current social distancing measures. Guests may only attend in automobiles – no motorcycles, no bikes, no walks ups – anyone not in a car will be turned away. Reservations are required.

Reservations will open on Monday, June 22 at 12 noon MST. All RSVPs will be accepted via email beginning at 12 noon through movies@aspeninstitute.org – please include the film you would like to attend, your name, license plate, make and model of your car and the best phone number in your email RSVP. Film fans are encouraged to register quickly as spots are sure to fill up fast.

“Aspen Film is thrilled to be partnered with such incredible local organizations and businesses to present Movies at the Meadows,” says Aspen Film Executive + Artistic Director Susan Wrubel. “Since venues were shuttered due to COVID-19, we have had to take all of our recent programming online. We are so thrilled to be able to gather under social distancing guidelines to watch a couple of classic films together outdoors.” Wrubel adds, “The Aspen Meadows is the perfect backdrop for our drive-in, and we could not be more appreciative of ACRA’s full support of this event.”

Movie snacks and bottled beverages will be available for pre-purchase from Plato’s, Aspen Meadows Resort’s restaurant. Filmgoers are also welcome to bring their own food to enjoy. More information about dining options will be provided when RSVPs are confirmed. Details about the selected films that will be screened as part of Movies at the Meadows are below.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory | Friday, June 26
Directed by Mel Stuart | © 1971 | Musical/Family | 1 hour, 29 minutes
Rated G
A sweet boy from a poor family dreams of finding one of five golden tickets hidden inside chocolate bar wrappers which will admit him to the eccentric and reclusive Willy Wonka’s magical factory. One after another, tickets are discovered by ghastly children – but will the lad find the last remaining one and have all his dreams come true?

Field of Dreams | Saturday, June 27
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson | © 1989 | Drama/Family/Fantasy | 1 hour, 47 minutes
Rated PG (some language)
When Iowa farmer Ray (Kevin Costner) hears a mysterious voice one night in his cornfield saying, “If you build it, he will come,” he feels the need to act. Despite taunts of lunacy, Ray builds a baseball diamond on his land, supported by his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan). Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the crops to play ball, led by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. But, as Ray learns, this field of dreams is about much more than bringing former baseball greats out to play.

Again, reservations will open on Monday, June 22 at 12 noon. To RSVP, email movies@aspeninstitute.org. Slots are sure to fill up quickly.