River City Cinema Outdoor Movie Series

June & July – Free!

The missions of River City Cinema, a non-profit organization, are to:
◾bring diverse films to the Bangor region
◾educate the public about the art and history of cinema
◾encourage filmmaking in Northeastern Maine

Where We’ve Been and Where We Are

River City Cinema was formed in 2001.

In 2003, thanks to a generous grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation we created Cinema to Go, a portable digital theater. We were now able to hold special film programs in a variety of venues— even outdoors. It also gave us the flexibility to work with other organization. A major component of Cinema to Go, a collapsible 15 x 11 foot screen, was constructed by Daniel Leaden, owner of Acadia Fabric Structure.

Each summer RCC holds a free outdoor film festival downtown Bangor and and transforms Pickering Square into an open air movie theater. Generous local sponsors make it possible for the audience, some for the first time, to experience cinema classics on the big screen.

Here’s a review from a member of the audience—
“Attending a “Smiles on a Summer Night” (RCC’s free comedy series) film was a glorious way to spend an evening! The technical quality was wonderful, the crowd was festive and the popcorn smelled great. The event transformed the feeling of Bangor. I felt like I had arrived in a new and wonderful city!”

We also helped bring the Maine International Film Festival to Bangor by hosting “satellite” screenings at the Bangor Opera House Audiences have enjoyed evenings and discussions with the likes of Ed Harris, “the guru of independent films” John Pierson and Mary Harron.

Throughout the fall, winter and spring we screened many foreign films, documentary and independent that had not been seen on a big screen at venues such as the Bangor Opera House, home of the Penobscot Theatre, and the Union Street Brick Church.

Where We’re Going

RCC’s goal is to have a multi-purpose cinema center in downtown Bangor. This facility will allow RCC to show first-run films, offer filmmakers editing and screening capabilities, and teach the public about the art of cinema through exhibits and hands-on demonstrations.

Any suggestions, recommendations or donations are always welcome!