Magical movie makeover!

Lights, camera, action! Residents of Frankfield Villas on Windmill Road reeled in some movie magic recently as they swapped their couches for outdoor cinema seats.

It was their novel way of being together but staying apart as the country continues to deal with restrictions brought about by the spread of Covid-19.

A classic film was projected onto the gable end of a terrace while the audio could be tuned into radios.

Residents dragged couches, armchairs and bean bags into front gardens for the night out while also adhering to social distancing.

Cyclone Rep theatre company lent the projector to resident Scott Duggan and he sought the blessing from rest of the terrace.

Scott said: ”The movie night was so well received on the street that we are looking to bringing the same to other suitable locations across the city over the next few weekends. In suitable places, apartment blocks for example, which have a flat surface opposite where I can project, people can just sit on their balconies, or even inside, tune in on an FM band and enjoy watching a classic movie with all their neighbours.

“It’s important that this is just for the residents who can safely watch while maintaining distance. I think people are finding it hard being separated and if it brings any bit of joy to people in this difficult time then I would love to do it.”

Windmill Road resident Ann Lynch, who has lived on the street for 54 years, said it was the best community event she had ever seen.

Those who watched the film also donated to Age Action as part of the thought process behind the screenings was that older people may not have the ease of access to streaming services that are taken for granted in other households.