As one of the world’s most expensive cities (59th, apparently, according to a Mercer survey), Toronto has surpassed Vancouver as Canada’s priciest place to live. One of the key indicators used in the survey: the cost of movie tickets. We did the math, and a date night at the movies —including popcorn and soda — runs close to $50.00. Yikes! With that kind of expense, films might as well be showing on a fancy yacht. Enter the Toronto Port Authority.
From August 18-20, the TPA will celebrate its 100th Anniversary with North America’s first Sail-in Cinema. Best part is, the tickets are free. Once the sun goes down (approximately 9 p.m.) films with an aquatic theme will play on a 28-foot, two-sided screen on a gorge in Toronto harbour’s Corus Quay. It’ll be visible to boats anchored in the harbour and to people cozying up on the sands of Sugar Beach. Tickets are limited, and landlubbing viewers will need a stub. They’ll be made available online in early August on a first come, first serve basis.
As an added bonus, the TPA is giving viewers the chance to recommend the featured films. Before July 22, email cinema@torontoport.com with your requests. Films will be announced at the end of the month. Just for kicks, here’s our list of five water-themed films best suited for the event.
1. Finding Nemo. We have it on good port authority that this film will most likely be shown. Who can resist this cartoon classic featuring schools of talking fish and a vegetarian shark?
2. Titanic. Even though it’s hard to believe that Leonardo DiCaprio would be able to overcome the sinking Titanic and save his lover, it’s a touching story, nonetheless. Especially if you’re 14.
3. The Perfect Storm. Undoubtedly smelling of fish, George Clooney and Mark Walberg set sail on their fishing boat in this aqua-thriller to try and defy the sea’s killer waves.
4. Deep Blue. This BBC documentary takes viewers under water to discover the history of the ocean floor, and explore never before seen deep sea creatures. It’s boatloads of fun!
5. Water For Elephants. Okay, so it’s not really about water, but this heart wrenching love story, taking place in a 1930s traveling circus, is occasionally about providing water to the animals.
Sail-in Cinema, Toronto Waterfront, August 18-20