Free films, on the sand.
Every Friday and Saturday night through the dry season — Beachside Cinema runs free outdoor screenings on Areia Branca beach. No booking. Pizza and bar service all night. The unofficial weekly meet-up of half of Dili.
How it works
Friday and Saturday nights, dry season. We project a film onto the beach. Doors open at sunset. Films roll about an hour after, when it's properly dark. Pizza and bar service run all night. Walk-ins welcome — but if you're driving in from town, get there early to find a spot.
Bring a cushion, a beanbag, your kids, your dog. Whatever level of formality you bring, someone else will match it. There's no entry charge — never has been.
Friday & Saturday · Dry season · Free entry · Beach service all night
What gets shown
The line-up rotates between recent festival picks, family-friendly classics, and titles tied to whatever's on at Sun Theatre Yarraville (our partner cinema in Melbourne, who help with the licensing).
Festival selections
Recent picks from international festivals — the kind of film you'd otherwise miss in Dili.
Family classics
On the night when the kids are along — bring them and a beanbag.
Local cinema
Occasional Timorese and Southeast Asian features — film as a way to sit with the country.
Weather permitting
The only condition: dry season. October–November close the season; films pause through the wet, December to March.
Schedule & evening
5–6pm — sunset on the deck. Bar opens. Pizza orders start coming out of the kitchen. The screen goes up. Pick a spot.
6:30–7pm — film starts when it's dark enough, usually about an hour after sunset depending on the time of year. There's no preview reel, no ads — just the film.
~9pm — film ends. Bar stays open until the deck thins. Most people stick around for one more.
The line-up isn't published far in advance — we adapt to what's available and what the week calls for. Best way to know what's on this Friday: WhatsApp us, or just show up.
Friday or Saturday?
Walk-ins always welcome. WhatsApp us if you want to know what's on, reserve a table, or check the dry-season dates.