Residents will once again get a chance to watch movies under the stars when the Moonlight Movie Series starts on Friday.

Oscar winner "Avatar" is the first film up at Horseshoe Bay, while "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" (PG) will be followed by "Couples Retreat" (PG-13) on Saturday.

Friday night is sponsored by Ace Ltd. while Cellular One si the sponsor of Saturday's movies.

The events will start at 7 p.m. with DJ music, an international food court and prize giveaways and show time is is 8.30 p.m.

Moonlight Movies spokesman Eugene Dean of organisers Spanish Town said sponsorship has been secured for the first three movie nights and the finale on September 18 and September 19, but the group is still seeking additional sponsors.

"We just had Validus Re come on as a sponsor today which is great news, however we still have quite a bit of work to do to cover the entire series," Mr. Dean said.

"It is important for us to recognise that this is a community programme for our company which is part of a comprehensive plan to support families, build community, forge greater unity and reinforce positive social behavior in an effort to promote peace and goodwill amongst residents and visitors alike," Mr. Dean said. Spanish Town is also organising a Sounds of Sanctuary series of block parties for neighbourhoods around the Island.

"If we wish to see a better Bermuda we recognize that it will require us all to get involved, so we encourage everyone to support the series however you can, whether it be through participation, enjoying the films will your family and friends, volunteering, we would love the help, or finance, we have several sponsorship packages that afford the opportunity for individuals and organisations to get involved."

For more information about the films, venues, or the full series schedule, go to www.moonlightmovieseries.com