Spirited Away at the cemetery with Cinespia
If you live in LA, you know movies at Hollywood Forever Cemetery are a summertime must. And if you don't live in LA, now you know! Cinespia hosts movies (mostly) every weekend May-October. It's one of my favorite things to do in LA, and something that feels quintessentially Los Angeles to me. As an adult, I've tried to find a new ways to give Summer the significance it had to me when I was in school and had summer break, and this is one of the ways I do it.
I don't know if I've ever really gotten into the way I love Los Angeles, but I really really do. I know there are lots of other places that are beautiful, exciting, or serene, but LA is pure heaven to me. I often tear up when I drive down Sunset. I tell my 13 year old self over and over "You're here, and the sun is shining, and flowers bloom all year." I tell her, "There are so. many. people. It's liberating to know you're small, you're capable of doing it on your own, and you will experience so many new things." Seeing movies in the cemetery feels cool. It feels like something that I tell my 13 year old self I do now, and it's just cool. I'm not even a big movie person. Tbh, I fall asleep during 9 out 10 movies I watch, but I always stay awake for movies at Hollywood Forever. I usually try to pick a movie I've never seen, and something that's not suuuuper long. I always pack a picnic, and enough wine to last the whole movie.
This past weekend, I took Joey to see Spirited Away. He'd seen a concert at the cemetery, but never a movie, and I'd never seen Spirited Away, so there were firsts for both of us! Joey loves Miyazaki movies, so when I saw they were showing this, I bought tickets immediately.
My Cinespia prep is pretty simple, but prep is crucial if you're going! You'll need
food- any food you want- just lots of snacks- go crazy
utensils- cups and forks at least are helpful
drinks- stuff that's still good room temp, unless you're packing a cooler- which you totes can
blankets- to cover the ground and to wrap up in!
warm clothes- when the sun goes down, a sweater is necessary
The rules are pretty chill. You can bring in glass and alcohol, and they have some snacks for sale as well. You can also bring low back chairs. Like for real LOW. Low to ground- low back- and I highly recommend doing so. It's def not that bad to sit on the ground or roll around on your blanket, but having chairs is nice for sure.
My biggest piece of advice is get there way earlier than you think you should. Doors were 7:15 for a 9pm movie, and when we got there a little after 6, there was already a decent line, but waiting is not bad at all. The queue is in the grass, and you can have a seat, uncork your wine, and have a glass while you wait. Start snacking, make a new friend, admire the costumes of more dedicated fans, or just eavesdrop on all the convos going on around you (what I do- sorry).
Most importantly, enjoy! It's such a fun thing to do, and a super chill way to spend an evening.
Please share your fave Cinespia tips with me and let me know what movies you're excited to see this Summer!
Check the schedule for the rest of Summer 18 here
somuchlovexxxx
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