Bowie tribute at Night Owl

Night Owl Cinema founder Kim Cleland is excited to celebrate all things David Bowie and Labyrinth with the community next month. Photo/George Novak

The folk behind the Bay's beloved open-air cinema will bring crystal ball juggling magic to Sulphur Point's Marine Park next month.

While the traditional Night Owl Cinema summer season has ended, the crew is still hard at work and will screen Jim Henson's 1986 cult classic Labyrinth, starring David Bowie as the enigmatic Goblin King, Jareth, on March12.

Night Owl founder Kim Cleland says what began as a simple screening has since evolved into a full Bowie tribute event. "We had a couple of people contact us and ask, after his passing, whether we might do a tribute screening. And I love the Labyrinth and have wanted to show it anyway," Kim says.

"It just felt like the right time and also a really nice thing to do so that we can celebrate the life and times of David Bowie in a public fashion."

She says people are encouraged to dress up and there will be mass karaoke before the film, with video clips and words up on the screen so people can sing along.

"We are looking for some musicians that might be able to do Bowie covers as well."

Night Owl Cinema's focus is on bringing the community together to make use of otherwise unused spaces, which Tauranga City Council supports.

"Next season we're looking at branching out into other reserves around Tauranga, like Papamoa and places as well, so they wanted to come on board and support it if we did it in that [Sulphur Point] location," Kim says.

"It's a beautiful spot, the sun sets over the Kaimais and you can see that from where you are, it's right next to the water and still celebrating a nice, beautiful Tauranga location."

She says whenever they play classic films, they always hope to introduce old favourites to a new generation.

"The thing with Night Owl Cinema is we've got a following of young people as well, and if they haven't seen the film it's going to be a great opportunity to introduce them."

Ultimately, Kim says the night is a chance for people to publicly honour Bowie and his contribution to the arts. "I think a lot of people had a lot of respect for Bowie and what he did. It's just one of those cult classic films that people remember from their childhood."

* Labyrinth will screen at Marine Park, Sulphur Point, on March 12 at dark (about 9pm). entry by gold coin donation. Musicians who wish to play Bowie covers beforehand can contact Kim by emailing the nightowlcinema@gmail.com.

NIGHT OWL CINEMA EVENTS
* Shine, at Baycourt Lawn Bar, February 27, from 6.30pm.

* Labyrinth David Bowie tribute night, March 12, from 6pm. Film screens at dark, gold coin donation.

* Karate Kid, Papamoa College fundraiser, April 8 at the school, Doncaster Drive, film starts 6.30pm, $5 entry.