Issue 8 – Monday 7 August
Getting Groovy at the Movies
Sam Reinders, V27
Is it a circus? Is it a UFO? No, it’s the Groovy Movie Picture House, the world’s first solar-powered cinema. And its time here in Global village is almost done.
The Groovy Movie uses a method of solar power called photovoltaics, which is the conversion of solar energy directly into electricity in a solid-state device – a solar panel.
At the cinema, there are eight large solar panels on the roof of the blue lorry at the side of the tent, which convert sunlight into electricity in the day so that it can keep playing all night. The Sustainability Centre can tell you more about how it all works.
The Films
The Groovy Movie has a selection of great films, classic music videos, cool shorts and unique documentairies. Last Wednesday, the crowds piled in to watch “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and everyody was singing along.
Today, they are showing “From The Heart Of The World”, a unique look at the lives of the Kogi tribe of South America. I’ve seen it and it is breathtaking.
In between, there are short films and music videos including my favourites “Cows With Guns” and “Bush and Blair: Gay Bar”.
The Staff
The Groovy Movie staff are a friendly bunch. I spent some time with them and asked them some questions.
The Big Boss: Jerry
Q: How did you get involved with the Groovy Movie?
I think it was through an interest in solar power and knowing lots of people who make films.
Q: When did the Groovy Movie begin?
A:Ten years ago at a festival called the Big Green Gathering. We showed “Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers” on a white sheet.
Q: What's the craziest place you've taken it to?
A: Um, there are two. Popstar Jay Kay of the band Jamiroquai's house warming party and the Robodock festival of dangerous art in Amsterdam.
Q: So far, what have you enjoyed the most in Global Village?
A: I really enjoyed doing the Rocky Horror night. I love the late night atmosphere.
Singer/ entertainer: Hattie Hat-star
Hattie travels with Jerry and the Cinema, and on Friday night, she performed several great songs.
Q: How did you get involved with the Groovy Movie?
A: Um, I met Jerry when he was making a film called Mayday in 2000. We lived in an empty cinema. I’ve been with him ever since.
Q: Which of your songs is your favorite?
A: Duck Cow Tractor on the ukulele.
Q: Where do you write your songs?
A: Anywhere! At home, quite often. Sitting on the bed with a piece of paper.
Q: So far, what have you enjoyed most at Global Village?
A: I haven’t got out much because of my little boy. But we play with the tubes in the Cooperation field a lot, and we’ve made some solar boats.