During Films at the Gate 2010, you’ve seen martial arts demonstration classes on the vacant lot just before the space is transformed into an outdoor, neighborhood cinema each night.

That’s because we asked several local groups, who normally conduct their classes behind closed doors, to come down and do their work on the lot, so passersby and film-goers can see some of what goes on behind the scenes in Chinatown. Although we’re not able to offer these classes to the public, you can stop by, sit down, and watch the “show” every night. Thanks to the Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association, Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association and Gund Kwok Asian Women Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe, for participating in this experiment. By coming outside, these groups are showing their support for the event, the neighborhood, and the way we come together on a vacant lot to watch movies and experience the city together.

Please join us and show your support for the same. Tonight we’ll be in the Chinatown Park, just north of the vacant lot on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. Come watch a Tai Chi demonstration from approximately 7:15 PM to 7:45PM led by members of Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association followed by HAVOC IN HEAVEN (1961) at 8:00PM.

The sun goes down and the films roll at 8PM, but here are some things to experience before you take a seat at Films at the Gate 2010:

• Walking Tours depart every night from the Chinatown Gate at 6:00PM (45 min, THU-SUN 8/26-29) . Led by youth from the Asian Community Development Corporation, you’ll get an in-depth look at Chinatown and its transformations over time, and you’ll be connected to dynamic community workers who are working to preserve and revitalize this unique community. Details here.
• Thursday’s film (8/26) will be preceded by a lion dance at 7:45PM by Gund Kwok, the only Asian Women Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe in the United States.
• Friday’s film (8/27) will be preceded by a lion dance, a demonstration class, and a Kung Fu demonstration from approximately 7:15 PM to 7:45PM by the Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association.
• Saturday’s film (8/28) will be preceded by a Tai Chi demonstration from approximately 7:15 PM to 7:45PM led by members of Bow Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association.

As always, we hope you’ll choose to eat in the neighborhood and support local businesses. Take out is welcome at the films.

In 2006, when Films at the Gate first transformed a vacant lot into an outdoor cinema, next door was a sandy construction site where a park was taking shape. With permission, we drew power from a contractor’s trailer, which sat in the middle of what is now, officially, Chinatown Park and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

In 2010, we’re taking a stroll up the Greenway. On Saturday (8/28) and Sunday (8/29) nights, we’ll move Films at the Gate to Chinatown Park, just on the other side of the Chinatown Gate from our traditional location. We’re grateful to the Greenway Conservancy for working with us to make this possible.

Come down and enjoy the show (and the beautiful park).