GoggleWorks and Centro Hispano Partner for Drive-In Film Series

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts (GoogleWorks) and Centro Hispano are partnering to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in a unique way. GoggleWorks, one of the country’s largest interactive art centers, installed a drive-in movie theatre on its large campus in response to pandemic restrictions last year and saw an enthusiastic response from the local community. This interest allowed GoggleWorks leaders to think about how to use the venue to promote other community nonprofits.

“We kicked off this type of month-long drive-in programming at GoggleWorks with the Pride Drive-In series in June 2021, which succeeded in promoting inclusion and highlighting the work of Reading Pride Celebration,” said Steven Nicodemus, GoggleWorks Theater Manager, who designed the program. “Centro Hispano is an incredible force in our community,” Nicodemus continued. “We hope this program will serve movie-lovers throughout our community and build familiarity and interest in art for those who are new to our art center.”

Every Saturday throughout the month of September the organizations will partner to screen a Spanish language film catering to those from a variety of Hispanic or Latino backgrounds, in a drive-in or walk-up format. Film screenings start at 8pm, following food and make-and-take art activities beginning at 7pm every Saturday.

“We are excited to be partnering with GoggleWorks Center for the Arts during Hispanic Heritage Month”, said Michael Toledo, President and CEO of the Centro Hispano. “Our goal every year is to promote and recognize the contributions and influences of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Celebrating Hispanic achievements in the arts through film is a great way to bring our diverse community together and we thank the GoggleWorks team for recognizing Latino achievements in the arts.”

Saturday, September 4th

In The Heights
A film version of the Broadway musical in which Usnavi, a sympathetic New York bodega owner, saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life.
Food and Art Activities begin at 7pm
Film screening begins at 8pm
English

Saturday, September 11th

Selena
The true story of Selena, a Texas-born Tejano singer who rose from cult status to performing at the Astrodome, as well as having chart topping albums on the Latin music charts.
Food and Art Activities begin at 7pm
Film screening begins at 8pm
English

Saturday, September 18th

Buena Vista Social Club
Aging Cuban musicians whose talents had been virtually forgotten following Castro’s takeover of Cuba, are brought out of retirement by Ry Cooder, who travelled to Havana in order to bring the musicians together, resulting in triumphant performances of extraordinary music, and resurrecting the musicians’ careers.
Food and Art Activities begin at 7pm
Film screening begins at 8pm
English

Saturday, September 25th

Pan’s Labyrinth
In the Falangist Spain of 1944, the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.
Food and Art Activities begin at 7pm
Film screening begins at 8pm
Spanish with English subtitles

For more information and to purchase tickets click here.