‘Free-B Film Festival’ brings movie night outside at Beacon Hill Park this August

The Victoria Film Festival (VFF) is producing an outdoor cult classic film fest all August long.

Their ‘Free-B Film Festival’ will bring moon men, monsters and more to the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park every Friday and Saturday as part of their month-long event. 

The six free nights of “B-movie treasures” will be held over three weekends, beginning Friday, August 7th. 

As a bonus, before each feature presentation, audiences will be treated to two thrilling chapters of the science-fiction serial Radar Men from the Moon. 

This 1952 serial follows Commando Cody as he battles an invasion from the Moon.

According to VFF, movie serials were a pre-binge-watching experience that kept audiences coming back week after week to find out what happened to their hero next. 

The six films being shown at Free-B Film Festival are:

• Friday, August 7th – Labyrinth (1986): David Bowie leads this cherished fantasy adventure that is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
• Saturday, August 8th – Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987): The comedy classic featuring late Canadian legend John Candy.
• Friday, August 14th – The Last Man on Earth (1964): Audience favourite Vincent Price stars in a pioneering post-apocalyptic thriller.
• Saturday, August 15th – Stardust (2007): A magical quest packed with romance, pirates and an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes and Ian McKellen.
• Friday, August 21st – I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958): A classic B-movie blending of alien invasion, suspense and Cold War paranoia.
• Saturday, August 22th – Josie and the Pussycats (2001): This cult-favourite pop satire celebrates its 25th anniversary.

“At Free-B every year, we aim to have something in the lineup for everyone,” said Mark Hoyne, program manager of VFF.

“This year’s film lineup takes audiences to fantasy worlds, classic road trips, alien invasions and my personal favourite from Riverdale to NYC.” 

Hoyne added that in true B-fashion, and to pay homage to how theatres used to be run, he is excited to be screening Radar Men from the Moon before each feature film. 

Those who attend all six screenings will see the whole series. 

The pre-show serial will be screened from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the feature film will be shown immediately afterwards at 9 p.m. 

What’s your favourite B-film? Let us know in the comments section below!