The city of Cupertino offers free public movies to allow more community bonding

Bundle up. It’s cold outside—but the warmth of being with loved ones makes it all good. The reason: the first ever Cinema in the Shadows. On Oct. 29, the City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Department presented the cult classic Disney film directed by Kenny Ortega, “Hocus Pocus,” at the Amphitheater in Memorial Park free of charge.

“We came to watch the movie with the children,” Sunnyvale resident Nichinori Magazaki said. “It was very nice.”

Previously, movies were shown only during the summer, which included “Where the Wild Things Are,” “The Wizard of Oz”, and “The Blind Side.” However, the City of Cupertino decided that they wanted to expand to the other seasons.

“This is the first time it was not during the summer,” City of Cupertino event organizer Martha Dorado said. “It came out pretty good, I guess. It’s just that many people didn’t want to come out because of the bad weather.”

All weather distractions aside, the event was successful in causing little children to scream and cry at parts of the movie because of the pure darkness. As if it were a picnic, people were out with blankets, food, and personal chairs. It was a time of togetherness for everyone, from couples to parents with their children, and a time to get into the Halloween spirit.

“We would look at the movies online and if they are really interesting and is good for the whole family to watch, we’ll come,” parent Caroline Chen said. “We enjoy coming here—it’s luxury time.”

{cc-by-nd}