Fri, Jun 26 · 7:30 PM EDT
Hey everyone! Movies in the Courtyard at Riff Raff Bookstore is back again. We figured why not ease into the weekend over a movie and couple drinks again this year.
TLDR: Free outdoor movie screening of the documentary Secret Mall Apartment in the courtyard outside Riff Raff Bookstore. Bar opens at 7:30 - Film begins approx 8:30. Event likely to be busy. Recommended to bring a chair, cushion or blanket. Outside alcohol prohibited. Please reach out to bookstore if you want to bring food as they will be selling snacks. We recommend eating before or after the film. Event is weather dependent. Please check comments on the day to be safe.
If you've been in Rhode Island for awhile, you've likely heard the story. Over twenty years ago back in 2003 (I still can't believe it's been that long...my beard is graying as I type this), eight Rhode Island artists established a hidden apartment within the newly built Providence Place Mall. Initially they intended for the project to highlight the increasing gentrification of the area following the mall's opening. However, when the friends were never caught they continued the project for a staggering four years! The apartment went from a simple unused gap in the mall's layout where they gathered, to a fully furnished apartment with electricity. Not to give spoilers, but they were so close to having a working shower before the game was up.
The documentary Secret Mall Apartment was released in 2024 and did the rounds in the film festival scene, before its formal release event at the Providence Place Mall. The documentary currently has a 98% on rotten tomatoes. Eddie actually attended to premiere at the mall and enjoyed the film. Secret Mall Apartment does a great job of weaving in humor of how silly the situation became, but is also tasteful in the more serious topics such as gentrification and the downstream effects. The documentary not only showcases unseen footage taken by the friends at the time but interviews from the artists and mall workers all these years later.
Riff Raff Bookstore is a cozy little space tucked away in an old mill complex converted into apartments and storefronts. Each Summer they host an outdoor movie series in the complex's courtyard, where guests can stop in for free to enjoy a film. Riff Raff has a bar, so there no problem if you want an afterwork drink. Check out their menu at the website below. They may have an outdoor bar as well with some batched drinks and popcorn, but indoor bar is also open if you want something particular. Outside alcohol is definitely prohibited since they have a full bar. We're not sure on outside food, they are selling snacks so safe bet is eat before or after the film.
The courtyard has some tables and chairs, but they tend to go fast. We recommend bringing a chair or something to sit on like a cushion or a blanket. This event can get crowded, but we'll do our best to find a good spot. Parking may also be a little difficult the closer you get to the movie showtime. Riff Raff opens their bar at 7:30, so let's get there then. Hopefully we'll beat most of the crowd since the movie starts around 8:30. We'll find a spot and post it in the comments on the day.
Obviously this event is dependent on the weather. Please keep an eye on the comments on the day just incase.
After the film we can head somewhere for another drink or two. Last year we regrouped at Troop next door. There's not much else in the area, but we'll figure it out on the night.
Please leave a comment or reach out to the hosts directly if you have any questions. See you all then!
https://riffraffpvd.com/the-bar-cafe-menu/
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/secret_mall_apartment
