Oscar-Winning Film Leads Return of Free Movies in Sims Park

Free movie showings are returning to New Port Richey next week.

The New Port Richey Cultural Affairs Committee is resuming its Spring/Fall Free For All movie series at the band shell in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey. The series features family friendly movies and other amusements for the kids.

“It’s an opportunity for families to get out relax a little bit, enjoy their friends their family and a little bit of culture, and I think it adds to the sense of community in New Port Richey,” said Lia Gallegos, vice chair of the committee.

The first event of the fall season will be on Sept. 21. It will feature the movie "Hugo," an Oscar-nominated film directed by Martin Scorsese.

The 2011 movie, based on the book "The Invention of Hugo Cabret," tells the tale of an who is orphan living in a Paris train station in the 1930s and his attempts to unlock the mystery of the automaton, a mechanical man his father left him.

It won Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.

The movie starts at dark on Sept. 21. A bounce house brought by Wilbur's Fun Zone will be available starting at 6 p.m. at the park. A wristband that  allows unlimited use of the bounce house can be bought for $5 at the event.

Snacks and refereshments will be available for purchase.

Sponsorships have allowed the Cultural Affairs Committee, a citizens advisory board, to expand its movie offerings. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event are asked to contact committee chairman Derek Smith at the_first_d@yahoo.com or 727-967-6726.