“Another one? You have got to be kidding.” We can hear your thoughts. But Shadow Electric Cinema isn’t like all the others. It’s set in the historic Abbotsford Convent. It’s Melbourne’s only independent outdoor cinema. There are no ads. And finally, it doesn’t have an unoriginal name pinched from its setting (cue Moonlight, Rooftop and Open Air).

The venue has approximately 250 seats, so there’s no need to drag along a truckload of blankets, beanbags and deckchairs. As for the imported custom screen, size certainly matters. At 28ft by 15.75ft (apparently that .75 “makes a big difference”) and with 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound blasting from 12 speakers, the quality is top notch.

Tonight is Shadow Electric’s launch party, but tomorrow you can perv on Ryan Gosling in Drive. On Saturday, be transported to Europe with Midnight in Paris or if you’re after something lighter, laugh along with Dave Chappelle’s Block Party documentary on Sunday. A number of old-school films grace the program including Stanley Kubrik’s adaptation of Lolita and ’80s cult classic Heathers. Shadow electric also supports up-and-coming artists by screening 20 minutes of local shorts before each feature.

This cinema under the stars is fully catered. We’ve heard rumours of gourmet gelato and the Taco Truck. More importantly, it’s fully licensed. They even have their own bar serving summer cocktails, wine, beer, cider… and soft drinks, if you’re into that kind of thing.

But nothing will quite compare to Shadow Electric’s Sunday sessions. The bar will be open from 1pm, as will the table tennis tournaments. Enjoy some tunes while you recover from Saturday night’s shenanigans, even if this involved ‘backing it up.’ As for the movie, it’s first in best dressed, so you might as well make an afternoon of it.

Location: 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, 3067
When: Until 29 April | Thurs to Sat 6pm-11.30pm | Sun 3pm-11.30pm (films start around 8.30pm)
Details: shadowelectric.com.au/