Movies at the Ice Rink
Overview
'Movies at the Ice Rink' refers to a unique cultural experience where an ice rink or skating arena is temporarily converted into a movie screening space, allowing audiences to watch films while skating or sitting on the ice. This breaks away from conventional movie-watching formats and has gained attention as a new leisure activity that leverages seasonal and spatial characteristics.
Main Content
Background and Emergence
The screening of movies at ice rinks is known to have started in Northern Europe and North America in the late 2010s. It originated from events designed to address the low utilization of indoor ice rinks during off-seasons or maintenance periods. Subsequently, it spread to Asian countries such as South Korea, Japan, and China, establishing itself as a new form of 'pop-up cinema' that combines winter sports and film culture.
Operational Methods
There are two main ways movies are screened at ice rinks. First, the 'Skate and Cinema' method, where audiences watch the movie while moving on the ice in skates. In this case, for safety, speed limits or movement within designated zones are enforced. Second, the 'Ice Seating' method, where mats or chairs are placed on the ice for fixed seating. This method is similar to a regular cinema but offers a unique atmosphere with the cold emanating from the ice.
Screened Films and Environment
The films screened are mostly family-friendly animations, winter-themed movies, or sports films. For example, the 'Frozen' series, 'Cool Runnings', and 'Ice Age' are popular. Screening times are typically around 1 to 2 hours, considering the difficulty of long viewing due to the cold of the ice rink. Additionally, the sound system is specially designed to account for the reflective sound of the ice, and lighting is adjusted to minimize glare from the ice surface.
Domestic Cases
In South Korea, this was introduced as an event from the early 2020s at ice rinks in large shopping malls or indoor skating arenas. For instance, the 'Mokdong Ice Rink' and 'Nowon Ice Rink' in Seoul operated 'Ice Rink Cinema' as a limited winter season event. Also, in 2023, a special screening of 'Frozen' was held at 'Lotte World Ice Rink', receiving a great response. These events were usually held on weekend evenings, and tickets, despite being priced 20-30% higher than regular cinemas, often sold out early.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages include providing a novel experience, attracting family audiences, and utilizing idle time at ice rinks. In particular, it allows for a combined cultural experience where one can skate immediately after watching a movie. Disadvantages include health issues due to the cold environment (hypothermia, colds, etc.), the risk of safety accidents on the ice, and potentially lower screening quality (sound, picture) compared to regular cinemas. To mitigate these, operators take measures such as renting out cold-weather gear, providing heated seats, and deploying safety personnel.
Latest Trends
From 2024 to 2025, movie screenings at ice rinks are becoming more diverse. First, with technological advancements, attempts are being made to install large LED screens on the ice or incorporate hologram technology for '3D ice movies'. Second, with growing environmental awareness, screenings at eco-friendly ice rinks using renewable energy are increasing. Third, due to the increased preference for outdoor activities post-COVID-19, movie screenings are expanding not only to indoor ice rinks but also to outdoor ones. For example, at Canada's 'Rocky Mountains Outdoor Ice Rink', a special screening titled 'The Great Wall' was held in December 2024, attracting over 500 attendees. Fourth, in South Korea, as part of the 'Seoul Metropolitan Ice Rink Cultural Revitalization Project' in early 2025, traveling screenings are planned at ice rinks in five districts. This project aims to enhance cultural accessibility for local residents and improve the economic efficiency of ice rinks.
Related Topics
- [[Pop-up Cinema]]
- [[Ice Rink]]
- [[Winter Cultural Experience]]
- [[Non-traditional Movie Screening Spaces]]