The movies are coming back to Onset.

After two years without free movies at the bandshell, the Onset Bay Association has partnered with the Onset Free Film Festival to bring them back.

“Its time to get this festival under way.” said Carlston Woods, chairman of the Free Film Festival. “We will be working with the OBA and local business sponsors to help ensure there is plenty to do in Onset this Summer.”

The Onset Free Film Festival is a new organization that wants to bring the free family movies back to Onset and also open the possibility of hosting a future film festival.

The Onset Free Film Festival was created in part by resident Paul Ciccotelli, who wanted to not only draw people to Onset Village and enhance the arts and entertainment scene, but wanted to raise money to fix up the dilapidated Onset bandshell.

"Everybody I talk to loves the bandshell," said Ciccotelli, who founded the Bandshell Alliance group last summer. The Alliance seeks to raise the $315,000 for structural, hardware, landscape, lighting and audio upgrades to the shelter, which has served the community for more than a century and was re-built in 1955.

Ciccotelli said he hopes the movie series can raise public awareness and help him obtain grant funds to fix up the bandshell, all while providing entertainment to the community.

“Nothing beats relaxing after a long hard day of sun and fun at the beach like a movie on the bluffs," Woods said. "Dinner at a local restaurants then finding a seat, sharing some snacks, taking in the fresh air and the company of family and friends is a great way to round out the day in this beautiful place.”

To fund the film series Cioccitelli has been going to businesses door to door soliciting donations.

"Some people remember going to the movies [in Onset] when they were young and have no problem donating," Cioccitelli said.

The organization hopes that within a few years the film series will evolve to include original short and feature length films at a film festival and that the festival would be judged by both the experts and the public.

For now, anyone can enjoy the free movies being shown on Thursday nights throughout the summer. Gates open at 8 p.m. and the movies begin at dark. The movies presented will be as follows:

• July 9: "Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day"
• July 16: "Paddington"
• July 23: "Big Hero 6"
• July 30: "Frozen"
• Aug. 6: "Wreck it Ralph"
• Aug. 13: "Brave"
• Aug. 20: "Cars"

Refreshments will also be served:

• Popcorn: $1 ($4 refillable)
• Cola/Diet: $1
• Water: $1
• Cotton Candy $1