Paris Transforms the Seine Into a Floating Cinema on July 18

Photo: Paris Plages

As some cities get back to life after the coronavirus lockdown, they’re having to come up with innovative ways to bring a sense of normalcy while also staying safe. In Paris, that means using a vital resource—the Seine—to keep outdoor entertainment going. On July 18, as part of the annual Paris Plages, a floating movie theater will be set up on the river at the Bassin de la Villette.

Cinéma sur l’Eau (translated as cinema on water) is a free event that will open Paris’ summer season. Moviegoers will enjoy the 2018 film Le Grand Bain from one of 38 electric boats available for the occasion. In addition, 150 deckchairs will also be set out on the Quai de Seine so that even more people can enjoy an evening of open-air cinema.

Each boat seats up to six people who are either friends or family so that no one’s health is compromised. Interested participants can enter a lottery until July 15 to be considered for a slot on a boat. The event was made possible by movie theater chain M2 and Häagen-Dazs to also celebrate the fact that cinemas in France have been allowed to reopen after pandemic closures.

In addition to Le Grand Bain, a French comedy about a group of men who start a synchronized swimming team, viewers will also watch A Corona Story. This short film about COVID-19 won a contest sponsored by M2.

Bassin de la Villette in Paris will be home to a floating cinema on July 18.

Bassin de la Villette (Photo: Stock Photos from Tommy Larey/Shutterstock)

h/t: [Interesting Engineering, UNILAD]

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