There was a big crowd at the “Space Cinema” in Raisting.
The three-day open-air film festival was well attended, despite the bad weather at times.
Raisting – In 2020, the shell of the radome was shredded by storm depression Bianca.
For this reason and also because of the corona pandemic, the "Space Cinema" had to pause for the last two years.
But that didn't hurt the reputation of the event.
On the contrary: "We have never had so many inquiries about which films will be shown," says Moritz Hartmann, who has been a member of the organizational team of the "Scout Friends of the DPSG - Rochus Spiecker District" since the event began in 2001.
For competitive reasons, the titles cannot be publicly announced in advance.
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"Space Cinema": Cozy camps with deckchairs, beanbags, blankets and pillows
Choosing a film is complicated, "it's getting more and more difficult to get the licenses," explains Hartmann.
At the same time, an attempt is made to select something for every taste.
The encouragement of the guests showed that this was a success this year.
The comedy “Free Guy” was already well attended with around 500 people on Thursday.
However, Friday topped everything during the three-day open-air film festival.
"This is traditionally our family day," explains Hartmann.
The organizers estimate that a good 1,000 people came to the screening of the Disney film "Encanto".
The designated areas with the best view of the film projection were quickly occupied.
Those who came after 8 p.m. had to be content with seats on the edge and limited visibility.
However, this did not dampen the mood.
There was a relaxed festival atmosphere with tropical temperatures.
Those present built comfortable camps with deck chairs, bean bags, blankets, tarpaulins, pillows and stuffed animals.
"The atmosphere was super good," says Hartmann happily.
Musician Dimi contributed to this and shortened the time until nightfall with his performance.
The people waiting in the long queues in front of the food and drink stands were also entertained in this way.
Those who didn't feel like queuing were supplied with snacks by the young scouts from a vendor's tray.
"Space Cinema": Around 500 guests enjoy the space battle
When the weather apps predicted rain during the screening, the film was stopped for half an hour.
So those who thought the risk of getting wet could pack up and leave in peace.
More than half of the audience took advantage of this opportunity - to the advantage of those who remained: now there were seats with the best view for everyone.
Umbrellas, rain jackets and self-made tarpaulin structures provided protection from the brief showers.
"At 3 a.m. a storm finally caught up with us," reports Hartmann.
But the damage to the Boy Scouts' camp was quickly repaired, so that "Star Wars 9" could continue on Saturday.
This time the weather held and around 500 guests enjoyed the space battles on the XXL screen and the musical supporting program in front of it.
Everything went peacefully and smoothly except for the small storm.
Up to 30 volunteers were involved in this.
Hartmann is grateful that the younger generation is now taking on more and more responsibility: “There is a generational change coming up.
We're not the youngest any more."
He is not worried about the future of the Boy Scouts and the "Space Cinemas", because there are members in every age group.
They are happy about the successful event, because the entire profit goes to the youth work of the George Scouts.
All news and stories from our district can also be found on our Facebook page.
BY URSULA GALLMETZER