After initially being cancelled following a lack of funding, Moonlight Movies on the Beach returns for its 2024 iteration with a slate of nine movies spread across the entirety of the summer.
And yes, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson had a huge involvement in getting the series back on track.
So what’s screening for Moonlight Movies on the Beach 2024?
Beginning on Tuesday, June 25 and running through Thursday, Aug. 22, nine films will be shown for Moonlight Movies on the Beach—including a nice offering of old school gems:
- Tuesday, June 25 (Granada Beach): Kung Fu Panda 4
- Tuesday, July 9 (Granada Beach): The Meg
- Thursday, July 11 (Long Beach City College – LAC Campus): Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- Tuesday, July 16 (Granada Beach): The Princess Bride
- Tuesday, July 23 (Granada Beach): The Sandlot
- Tuesday, Aug. 6 (Granada Beach): The Breakfast Club
- Tuesday, Aug. 13 (Granada Beach): Mamma Mia!
- Tuesday, Aug. 20 (Granada Beach): A League of Their Own
- Thursday, Aug. 22 (Long Beach City College – PCC Campus): Coco
So how did Moonlight Movies on Beach get saved, exactly?
After initially publicly discussing difficulty finding funding sources, longtime organizer Kris Gragson announced on June 2 that he had been relegated to cancel the annual tradition. The annual tradition of screening free movies throughout the summer—both on the sand and in more accessible parts of the city—has been adored by residents and visitors alike.
But it all came down to, of course, money.
Gragson said each screening costs around $5,000, with cost including the rights to screen the film, city permits required for large events, providing amenities, and installing infrastructure like sound and the screen itself. Make no mistake: It’s an endeavor—and one Gragson or Beach Ventures do not make money from.
Then Mayor Rex Richardson stepped in, not only coming in with money himself but also garnering supporting from LBS Financial, the Port of Long Beach, Cambrian Home Care, Don Temple Storage, and 3rd District Councilmemebr Kristina Duggan.
“Without the Mayor, it honestly could not have happened this year,” Gragson said. “He really came through and pulled for the community so I cannot express enough gratitude, along with the other supporters that have graciously donated to make this a true community event that’s free to attend.”
