“Cinema is in my blood”, Efrain Hinojosa told The Portugal News. “My great-grandfather owned the very first theatre in my home city in Colombia, called Teatro Cesar. My mother and her siblings practically grew up inside those walls.” Now, he’s settled in Portugal and intends to bring his family tradition with him, featuring a new outdoors twist. “I realised there was a wonderful opportunity for both locals and visitors to experience this region in a completely different way, by creating a space where we could celebrate the beauty of the landscape and our incredible local produce through the shared language of film.”

An experience to remember

The first season of All Stars Cinema launched last summer, and despite a slow start, the word quickly spread about it. They went from 14 tickets sold at their first event to selling out completely by the end of the season. “This year, we are thrilled to kick off our second season on 16 May with a screening of Spielberg’s West Side Story at the stunning Morgao Do Quintão Vineyard”, Efrain announced.

For the film screenings at the events, the choices are made with the utmost expertise of a family deeply tied to the art of cinema. “Last year, my mother and her siblings were instrumental, sending me recommendations that became hits, like our screening of A Walk in the Clouds at Villa Alvor Vineyard”, he recounted. “This year, I’ve taken a more rigorous approach, curating a shortlist from over 300 movies, which I watched over the winter as my research. Our schedule tries to have a movie for every soul, from sweeping romances to gripping thrillers.”

At All Starts Cinema, the film itself is the centrepiece, but much more goes into the experience. “We believe the movie is the glue, but the magic is in the details. We prioritise comfort and sensory delight”, Efrain explained. “While many open-air cinemas use standard deck chairs, I researched extensively to find something better: our glamping chairs with wooden armrests, designed for maximum comfort during a two-hour feature. Combine that with live pre-show performances, high-end sound systems, fresh popcorn, local wine and food, and you have a night that stays with you long after the credits roll.”

Under the stars

“Our goal is to curate an experience that feels deeply personal and thoughtfully executed, one that guests are proud to bring their friends and family to”, he continued. “Last year, we hosted a Season Finale at my own home, screening Chicago with a dress-up theme as a free thank you to all the customers who supported us across the summer. This year, we’re elevating that magic with themed nights like stargazing, bring your doggie nights, and another grand finale. The vibe is laidback and friendly, with a blend of music, timeless film, and a glass of local wine under the stars.”

The wine and food are a huge part of the experience and are intertwined with the venues that host the events, many of which are local vineyards sourcing the ingredients themselves. Each venue is chosen to deliver a seamless immersion in the countryside landscape of the Algarve. “This season, we are particularly excited about a partnership with Caniço Restaurant, which allows us to host Pulp Fiction at a breathtaking clifftop location, looking out to sea”, Efrain highlighted. “We’re also expanding into the heart of the community through partnerships with local municipalities, bringing the magic of cinema to public spaces in Monchique, Alferce, and Marmelete.”

A space for connection

For Efrian, the experience offered by All Stars Cinema goes far beyond what could be expected of a typical indoor cinema. “You aren’t just sitting in the dark, you’re watching the sunset with a glass of wine, sharing a laugh with a neighbour, and finishing the night under a canopy of stars”, he shared. “We’ve seen strangers become friends at our events. We don’t just show films, we host a community gathering that celebrates the beauty of the Algarve.”

“This project was born from a desire to create a space for genuine connection. It’s a passion project that has grown into a platform to showcase the beauty of our region”, Efrain concluded. “It’s about sharing a moment, meeting new people, and enjoying the Algarve in a way that feels both sophisticated and soulful.”

All Stars Cinema already hosts events in Alvor, Portimão, Lagoa, Monchique, Albufeira, and Tavira, but is always looking for more venues to visit.

For more information on the experience and to see the full schedule for this season, make sure to check out https://www.allstarscinema.com/