Summer is here, people who’ve been in New York long enough will tell you that there’s a lot of things going on here during this season. It’s true, it’s true. For film enthusiasts, the 2009 New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) just ended this week, while JAPAN CUTS, a sister festival (co-presented with the NYAFF09) is happening as we speak. But if you prefer to be outside, enjoying nature and stuff, there’s a bunch of outdoors film screenings happening. Some of these are free, some of them give you free booze and pop corns with admission! I’ve compiled some of the event listings after the cut.

ROOFTOP FILMS 2009
For those who prefer watching movies NOT IN PARKS, and those who prefer more experimental, artsy, underground films, this is for you. I am personally really pumped about their screening for THE BLIND PIG WHO WANTS TO FLY, been looking forward to this Indonesian gem since I first heard about it. Oh, they have little receptions after their movies too, with free booze!

BRYANT PARK HBO FILM FEST // JUNE 15 - AUGUST 17
Free movies that start right around sunset, the grass is open at around 0500PM. Some highlights include Harold and Maude (July 20th), Dog Day Afternoon (July 6), and Close Encounter of the Third Kind (August 17).

CENTRAL PARK FILM FESTIVAL //  AUGUST 18 - 22
Movies start at 0800PM at Rumsey Playfield, while gate opens at 0600PM. The movies that they offer are a lot more mainstream, but can still be fun, if you’re into that. At least they’re free. They are showing the original SHAFT on August 18th, OCEAN 11 on 19th, SEX AND THE CITY on the 20, TWILIGHT on the 21st, and the last day is a viewer’s choice between MEN IN BLACK, GOLDFINGER, and DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN.

RIVER FLICKS, FREE MOVIES BY THE HUDSON RIVER // JULY 8 - AUGUST 19
A wide selection of free movies, that comes with free popcorn! The movies screen at Pier 46 (Charles St / Hudson River) on sundown (0800PM - 0830PM). They have two separate ‘festivals’, one is targeted for kids (but they have Wizard of Oz! And Ghostbusters!) and the other one is more adult oriented. The adult selection is alright, it’s a chance to see VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA for free if you haven’t (my favorite Woody Allen up to date.)

SUMMER ON THE HUDSON // JULY 9 - AUGUST 12
Another free screening by the river, but this one is on Pier 1, at Riverside Park South. Movies start at 08.30, their titles are more old school, less Sex and the City.
Wednesday, July 9: The Age of Innocence
Wednesday, July 15: Wall Street
Wednesday, July 22: Dinner at Eight
Wednesday, July 29: The Out-of-Towners
Wednesday, August 5: Drums Along the Mohawk
Wednesday, August 12: Sweet Smell of Success

BROOKLYN BRIDGE MOVIES // JULY 9 - AUGUST 27th
I’m cheesy, I love the Brooklyn Promenade. Sometimes, when I’m bored, I’d head over there and just stare at the Manhattan skyline. Naturally, I’m really excited about this one, not to mention that they have a great line up! Each feature is going to be preceded by a short film, and there’s music and good food to start off your night while waiting for the film to start.