The region's first Bollywood drive-in movie is coming to the city’s south end as organizers looks to promote cultural diversity while also having fun.
The Ethnic Mosaic Alliance (EMA) and the South Asian Association of Simcoe County (SAASC) have teamed up to bring a drive-in event like never before in the region.
On Friday, Sept. 10, the Bollywood hit movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (This Youth Is Crazy) will be shown in a drive-in atmosphere with Indian cuisine and dancing also on site.
While drive-in movies are fun, this one will have particular meaning for everyone, EMA vice-chair Carolina Belmares tells BarrieToday.
“How cool is it that we get to kick off the school year with an event in which kids and families from all sorts of backgrounds can have a glimpse into somebody else’s culture?” asked Belmares. “Maybe a kid will go to class this school year and have an Indian classmate and there will already be that shared and educated connection.”
The movie is one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films worldwide and is known for being great for all ages, with all the humour and dancing often associated with films of the Indian Hindi-language film industry.
For non-Hindi speakers, there are subtitles.
Belmares says the movie will be lots of fun and it is the entire event that is sure to be memorable.
“With the food trucks serving Indian dishes and the always fun Bollywood and bhangra dancers, this is a great outdoor event for everyone to enjoy. Like a big last bash of summer in a safe outdoor setting,” she said.
The EMA website says the non-profit organization helps promote and celebrate cultural diversity in Simcoe County for all people.
The SAASC Facebook page says the non-profit organization promotes and unites the South Asian community and their culture to meet the social and emotional needs of their community while also prompting cross culture education and harmony.
The drive-in event is a fundraising event for the organizations and takes place Friday, Sept. 10 on the grounds of Mapleview Community Church, located at 300 Mapleview Dr. W. Along with the movie, food and dancers, there will also be a photo booth, a dance class, and popcorn and cotton candy.
The event starts at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at this link.
