Outdoor Movies

The third season of Missoula Outdoor Cinema begins Saturday night.

David Macasaet, a graduate student in media arts at the University of Montana, conceived of and continues to coordinate the Outdoor Cinema as an offshoot of the North Missoula Community Development Corp.

He chooses the films, applies for the grants needed to buy equipment, organizes the volunteers who sell tickets and make popcorn, and - on Fridays - hangs the rubbery movie screen on the side of Whittier School.

Audiences for the Saturday night shows average about 200 people - although "The Princess Bride" drew 300 and even the prep work attracts gawkers.

"Instead of going and spending a ton of money for oversized popcorn and a big blockbuster summer movie, you can come to the playground and give a donation that makes sense and maybe even win a prize," Macasaet said. "And you can come early - we'll open the gate at 8 - and eat a picnic dinner with your friends and family as the sun drops behind the mountains."