Film on the Rocks is back, but it looks a little different
For the first time in its history, Red Rocks was transformed into a drive-in movie theater.
Nikkol Grimes, left, and Sonja Taylor relax while watching Grease during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks Park on Aug. 13, 2020. Grimes is a Grease fanatic who says she’s probably seen the classic movie 50 times.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
By Eli Imadali
Film on the Rocks returned Aug. 13 with the 1978 American classic Grease projecting on a 47-foot-wide screen nestled in Red Rocks. But the outdoor movie series and Colorado summertime favorite looked a little different this year.
Due to the pandemic, Red Rocks Park was transformed into a drive-in movie theater for the first time ever. In accordance with the state’s ongoing social distancing restrictions, Denver Film adapted the series. Instead of filling the iconic amphitheater, hundreds of moviegoers watched from their cars as Danny and Sandy sat in his old Dodge convertible, also enjoying a movie.
As the sun dipped below the red-tinged sandstone cliffs, Karen Midcap celebrated her 59th birthday with her family, reminiscing about memorable scenes in Grease in their truck bed.
She was thrilled to be spending her birthday out of the house and enjoying a movie among Red Rocks’ natural splendor.
“I mean, look where we are. Holy cow!” Midcap said.
Nearby, Nikkol Grimes and Sonja Taylor laid in the back of their truck. Grimes, a Grease fanatic, watched the film for what she figured was her fiftieth time.
“I think it’s just the innocence of being a teenager,” Grimes said of Grease. “It’s nostalgic, for sure.”
Film on the Rocks will screen more classics, as well as newer movies, for four consecutive screenings each week through Aug. 30.
Soraya Serrano, left, and Clover Duhart watch Grease in their trunk during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks on Aug. 13, 2020.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Austin Dyer and Hannah Broughton enjoy popcorn and the movie in their truck bed during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks on Aug. 13, 2020.
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Grease plays on the 47-foot-wide LED screen as the debut film of the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks on Aug. 13, 2020.
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Cassie Yrigollen, center, and Golden Goodwin joke around and eat popcorn as Grease begins during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks on Aug. 13, 2020.
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From left, Dagney Brazil, 5, Isla Abeyta, 5, and Eli Brazil, 7, watch Grease while eating snacks with their friends and siblings during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks on Aug. 13, 2020.
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Jeff Hassemer and Christine Kennedy talk as the sun sets over Red Rocks before Grease kicks off the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition on Aug. 13, 2020.
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Lexi, left, and Hailey, both dressed as Sandy from Grease, watch the movie during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks on Aug. 13, 2020. “She’s iconic,” Hailey said of Sandy. “She made the whole good girl, bad girl thing.”
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Hand sanitizer rests in Hannah Broughton's shoes during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks on Aug. 13, 2020.
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Golden Goodwin adjusts the volume of the movie in his car during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks on Aug. 13, 2020. It was Goodwin’s first time seeing Grease.
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The screen illuminates cars during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks on Aug. 13, 2020.
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Zelime Gizzi relaxes with her feet up during the 21st annual Film on the Rocks, drive-in edition at Red Rocks on Aug. 13, 2020.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
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