Summer in the city. Anywhere else, the drive-in theatre is a tradition. In Brooklyn it is a little different.

It is the season of films under the stars. And Brooklyn has some of the finest venues and best films available.

The 2006 collection of movies range from journeying down the yellow brick road of The Wizard of Oz at Brooklyn Bridge Park to lighthearted political films by Rooftop Films following the Macy's July 4th fireworks.

Movies with a View, the Brooklyn Bridge Conservancy's annual festival beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, opens July 6th with everyone's all-time favorite, The Wizard of Oz, kicking off this years theme of Movies in Motion. The 8-week run features some of Hollywood's most incredible journeys and road movies.

The volunteer committee begins their process in January, deciding on a theme for the festival and choosing the films.

"The theme adds a particular flair to our festival that others don't have," said Virginia Terry of the Conservancy. "Our committee is made up of film buffs, film professors and film professionals. The competition to get a certain film into the mix can become a little heated. Everyone has their favorite film in a genre."

The committee sets a schedule with something for everyone, choosing family films (The Wizard of Oz and Pee Wee's Big Adventure), a "popcorn" film (Raiders of the Lost Ark) and a film noir (Strangers on a Train).

"Each in their own way is a counter culture presentation, together they paint an interesting scene," said Terry. "Our final film, The Warriors, is a play on the Odyssey and a cult favorite. Many 20-year-olds find this movie one of their favorites."

Under the bridge, the movies are part of a complete evening in one of Brooklyn's premier locations. With free bike parking, beach chair rentals, and dinner sales from local DUMBO restaurants, you can arrive early, claim your piece of the park and spend the entire evening under the stars. DJ's begin playing music at 6pm. Provided by DUMBO's Halcyon, the DJ's put together a playlist of music related to each movie to get everyone in the mood.

In August, the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition 24th Annual Sculpture Show opens in the park and becomes a part of the movie viewing experience.

"We place the sculpture's to enhance the movie experience," said Terry. "Last year there was a kid-sized house that we placed at the crest of a hill with a clear view of the screen. The kids loved it as a place to gather and watch the films." High above the riverfront, another outdoor film festival takes place far from the traditional drive-in venue. The Rooftop Films summer series takes place exactly where they say, on rooftops.

Founded by native New Yorker Mark Elijah Rosenberg, the filmmaker began showing underground films on his rooftop in the East Village soon after graduating from Vassar College. The idea came to fruition as a way to bring viewers to avante-garde films, making the viewing as much of an experience as the experimental films and shorts.

Rooftop Films atop American Can Factory ©Rooftop Films

In early 2004, Rooftop set up offices and a new rooftop venue by the Gowanus Canal at The Old American Can Factory. This year's festival drew over 2,500 film submissions with 28 features and 270 shorts chosen for their 48 screenings.

"We choose new inventive productions that you aren't going to see anywhere else," said Rosenberg. "We are one of the only outlets for this type of work. And we show them in a unique and memorable location."

The organization is about helping filmmakers. Part of the $8 admission fee goes toward the Rooftop Filmmakers' Fund, which gives grants to artists whose work has shown at a Rooftop show. They also provide free equipment loans, editing and postproduction services to filmmakers, and are sharing their experiences with students at local schools.

This year's festival includes several New York premieres.

"We are really excited about the New York premiers," said Rosenberg. "Every year our programming gets better and better. We have beautiful, experimental documentaries like Who is Bozo Texino? and shorts about the work place like Mechanicals."

Who is Bozo Texino? explores the myth and truth about the name Bozo Texino, which has been scrawled on a million railcars. Mechanicals, a short, explains that every time you flip a switch, or flush a toilet, there are many people in the walls who make it work.

On July 4th, Rooftop Films presents a special night of lighthearted political films with a message following the Macy's Fireworks show viewed from a rooftop in Williamsburg.

For schedule, tickets and directions:
Movies with a View - Brooklyn Bridge Park
Rooftop Films - Gowanus Canal