A Movie by the Seine

Watching movies in theatres during the pandemic when you need to physically distance yourself from others is an impossible task. But Paris has decided to innovate and kept its outdoor entertainment spirit high with the annual Paris Plages. 

As a part of this annual programme, Cin&eacutema sur l&rsquoEau (translated as Cinema on Water) is being organised on July 18. A giant open-air floating movie theatre will be set by the Seine river at the Bassin de la Villette with 38 electric boats spread out on the river. Each boat will accommodate six people who are either friends or family, ensuring no one&rsquos health is affected. Along with this, 150 deckchairs will also be made available on the Quai de Seine so that more people can join the evening event.

The 2018 comedy Le Grand Bain, along with a short film based on the spread of the virus, A Corona Story, will be screened for viewers, selected through a lottery for a slot on the boats. Organised by the French movie theatre chain M2 and H&aumlagen-Dazs, the event will be conducted in adherence with social distancing norms and other safety guidelines.

As cities open up after extensive lockdown due to the pandemic, many in the hospitality and entertainment industries are coming up with such novel ideas. A French evening by the Seine for a movie date is truly going to be a memorable experience.