Movies By Moonlight Relocates To City Springs

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Organizers behind the popular Movies By Moonlight series are preparing to bring their 2018 installment to Sandy Springs residents and families. This year's three-movie lineup will be held at a new location, the lawn at City Springs.

Movies By Moonlight kick off on Friday, Aug. 24 2 with Disney's award-winning animated film, "Coco," and a slew of activities celebrating Mexican culture, Leadership Sandy Springs said.

“We wanted to make the activities before the movie the best ever – to be fun and interesting for all ages and to honor the rich cultural traditions captured in the film, and we think we’ve done that,” said Leadership Sandy Springs event co-chairs Stephanie Graham and Michael Bivone. “Our committee is very excited to present this Academy Award winner and themed activities to our community.”

Pre-movie festivities start at 6 p.m., with the screenings beginning at dusk. Before the show gets under way, moviegoers will enjoy a dance performance by children enrolled in Sandy Springs’ Los Ninos Primero dance program. The girls, ages 4 to 8, practice in Sandy Springs under the direction of Lilliann Tovar and Marin Perez, award-winning instructors who dance competitively across the United States. Atlanta-based Mariachi Los Arrieros, professional musicians originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, will perform throughout the venue.

Additionally, a full-size Day of the Dead Altar, dedicated to Charro, a Mexican singer of cowboy songs, will be on display. The altar, made by English Speakers of Other Languages math teacher and self-taught artist Oswaldo Elizable, is authentic and hand made.

“Oswaldo began creating Day of the Dead altars for the Atlanta History Center five years ago when he was inspired by 'Coco'," said LSS Executive Director Jan Paul. "Miguel, the shoemaker in the movie, reminded him of his grandfather. We are fortunate that he is willing to set up the altar for our community to enjoy, a process that takes about three hours.”

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Children can play in the fountains at City Springs, though parents are strongly encouraged to bring a towel. There will be games, face painting, a coloring station and a variety of food trucks and drawings for prizes. Moviegoers can also bring their own picnic and lawn chairs or blankets.

Presenting sponsor Kaiser Permanente will be the first to host a sponsor reception for its guests on the City Terrace. Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul will be joined by the Consul General of Mexico in Atlanta, Javier Diaz, in welcoming the community to Movies by Moonlight and filmgoers will see a short-animated welcome from Leadership Sandy Springs.

“We could not be more excited to invite our entire community to watch this year’s Movies by Moonlight right here - in the heart of Sandy Springs,” Jan Paul said. “And, the fact that 'Coco' is a part of the inaugural season of the Performing Arts Center and offering a free event to our community is even more cause for celebration.

“I can’t thank our committee and our sponsors enough. Without the generosity of our sponsors we would not be able to offer this wonderful community event. We’ve been called the 'best block party in town,' and we can’t wait for Sandy Springs to enjoy it. We look forward to seeing everyone at the movies on Aug. 24 ,” she added.

The second Movies By Moonlight event, set for Sept. 7, will feature "The Greatest Showman" while the series will close out on Oct. 5 with "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." Movies will be shown on a 30-foot inflatable screen.

Parking will be available in the garage and in lots and spaces around City Springs located at 1 Galambos Way, with additional parking at Sandy Springs United Methodist Activity Center. For more information, visit the Leadership Sandy Springs website or Movies By Moonlight Facebook page. You can also call 404-256-9091.

Photo 1: Three of the young Los Ninos Primero dancers who will perform on stage at City Springs before Disney's award-winning Coco begins.

Photo 2: Oswaldo Elizable talks with LSS Executive Director Jan Paul about the logistics of setting up his large and authentic Day of the Dead altar at City Springs for Coco. He was inspired by Coco; Miguel, the shoemaker in the movie, reminded him of his grandfather.

Photos 3 and 4: Life-size, hand- made Day of the Dead altar honoring Charro, a Mexican singer of cowboy songs will be displayed at Movies by Moonlight's Coco on August 24th.

Photo 5: The Mariachi Los Arrieros of Atlanta will stroll through City Springs playing popular Mexican folk music that dates back to 18th century Mexico.

Images via Leadership Sandy Springs