Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema – Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema presents free screenings of diverse, local filmmakers’ works in neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and other community-friendly spaces to increase the exposure and recognition of local artists and to heighten appreciation by neighborhood and citywide residents while bringing the community together. Sept 8,9 & 15, 2023

We recently caught up with the founders about the upcoming 20th Annivesary – Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema: Two Decades of Community and Creativity.

Founded in 2004 by two neighbors, Leslie Lombre and Anne Batmale, with significant backgrounds in film, video production, promotion, and distribution, Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema (BHOC) began as an idea to celebrate local filmmakers and artists and to activate neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and communal spaces. The initiative evolved from collaboration in the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center’s annual Fiesta on the Hill 2001.

Over two decades, BHOC has grown from free screenings in neighborhood parks to a major community event that includes the winter quarterly series, “Face to Face with The Filmmaker,” which airs in venues around the neighborhood.

Mission & Impact: BHOC’s mission revolves around free screenings that showcase local filmmakers in open neighborhood spaces. The intent is to heighten the appreciation of Bernal artists, bring the community together, and shine a light on Bernal’s vast talent and resources.

Film Line-up & Engagement: BHOC primarily showcases independent films, ranging from short features to docs, fiction, and music videos. Each year, filmmakers are invited to submit their works through various media channels. There is a deep and personal connection with the artists, enhanced by a selection committee of neighbors. The committee also recognizes filmmakers with four distinct awards.

Venues & Adaptation: Despite changes over the years and challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, BHOC has showcased in various venues such as Precita Park, Holly Park, and Bernal Heights Playground. Innovative pop-up drive-in screenings occurred at Alemany Farmers Market and South Slope Cinema during the pandemic.

20th Anniversary & Beyond: The 20th Anniversary includes special events like the Film Crawl on Cortland and “Under the Stars.” Additional plans include salsa lessons, picnics, community map-making, live music, and more.

Recognition & Awards: BHOC has been acknowledged by Avenue Greenlight, Civic Joy, and numerous local funders for its profound impact on the community.

Quotes: Co-founder Leslie Lombre shared the excitement, calling the 20th season a “homecoming.” Anne Batmale, co-founder and art director, emphasized the inclusion of emerging talents and established filmmakers in the season’s film line-up.

Feedback from filmmakers like Samantha Berlanga, Ramiro Cairo, and Jessica Heidt has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the event’s community-centric nature and its role in celebrating local talent.

Neighbor and audience quote further reinforce BHOC’s pivotal role in the community, with Valerie Reichert, Media Manager, and Bernal Neighbor noting the festival’s importance in revitalizing the neighborhood post-pandemic.

Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema 2023

Calendar – Bernal Heights and Beyond