The Shadow Electric: Melbourne’s newest independent open air cinema

WIN a pair of tickets to see Wong Kar Wai’s “In the Mood for Love” at Melbourne’s newest independent open air cinema The Shadow Electric.

THE Shadow Electric (TSE) joins the fray as Melbourne’s newest independent open air cinema.

It has taken three years of development and has come to fruition in January this year. What makes TSE different from the others out there is the attention to detail in ensuring that for an open air cinema, quality is key.

Situated in the beautiful surrounds of the Abbotsford Convent, the Shadow Electric is Melbourne's newest independent open-air cinema.

Director of The Shadow Electric Jay Rayner tells Meld that the original inspiration came from “wanting to show interesting, informative and entertaining films in a unique location.”

“We wanted to do this with the very best technology that we could find. Quality presentation in regards to audio, screen materials and projection seems to be missing from most Melbourne based outdoor cinemas,” Rayner says.

Located in the beautiful setting of the Abbotsford Convent, the cinema sets itself apart as a venue for film buffs who love great films and appreciate quality screenings.  To bring the films to life, TSE has a custom built projector imported from the US.

Watch movies on the big screen outdoors, which spans the entire width of the courtyard.

The selection of films is varied, marrying the art-house with the mainstream, and the end result is an eclectic and interesting program. Audiences are treated to screenings of locally made and produced independent films, and the love of movies and state-of-the-art production value has proven so far a success through its maiden January screenings.

Movies screen after sundown at around 8.30pm – but film goers may wish to make the most of the experience by arriving early to explore the historical Melbourne landmark where TSE is based; or while the time away over a game of table-tennis before showtime. Those after some tucker can also refuel where some of Melbourne’s best food trucks are parked, or indulge at the Convent Bakery.

Screenings are Thursday to Sunday and runs till April 15, 2012. Doors open from 6pm Thursday to Saturday and from 3 pm on Sundays.

Tickets can be purchased at the door but it is strongly recommended to purchase them beforehand on The Shadow Electric’s website.

If all goes well, Rayner says TSE may consider opening its doors to volunteer opportunities for students in 2013.

“We are particularly interested in Media and Communications students wishing to gain experience and event production juniors,” he says.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHs0p7QY6i4[/youtube]

But for now, it’s perfectly fine to just kick back and enjoy the show – in fact, we have a pair of tickets to Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love (Friday March 16) to give away. All you have to do is email us at pickme@meldmagazine.com.au with your name and contact number, and include “The Shadow Electric” in your subject heading.

The competition closes midnight Sunday March 11, and the winner will be picked in a random draw and notified via email on Monday March 12.