The new summer edition of Movie with the Mayor launches at 5 p.m. this Saturday, July 6, in the Rosa Hart Theatre with a showing of Disney’s “The Great Mouse Detective.”

The summer series is an expansion of the Movies with the Mayor that is hosted during the Light up the Lake Christmas Festival. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said that adding a summer movie series this year supports the City’s goal of adding to free, family-friendly programming.

Movie screenings are a shared experience that brings people together. The City’s goal is to make movie nights accessible to every family at no cost.

“Movies can bring people together and foster a sense of community, and Movies with the Mayor does just that and more,” he said.

“The Great Mouse Detective” was chosen because of the film’s sentimental value.

“I admit that I am a long-time Disney fan and enjoy re-watching many of these movies, now as a dad. ‘The Great Mouse Detective’ is one of my all-time favorite Disney features, and it is severely underappreciated!” Hunter said. “I am excited to share this classic with a younger generation.”

On Saturday, July 20, “Toy Story 4” will be featured.

The series will close out Saturday, August 10 with a showing of Pixar Shorts. Hunter said these were chosen because it allows the City a chance to honor SWLA native Ralph Eggleston, American award-winning animator and art director for Pixar Animation who passed in 2022.

Hunter called Eggleston’s “creative genius unmatched.”

“Southwest Louisiana is packed full of incredible talent that has left an indelible mark in many fields. Mr. Eggleston’s legacy on the film industry deserves to be honored, celebrated and remembered.”

Eggleston’s famous short “For the Birds” will be shown alongside other shorts.

To continue the tradition of nurturing local talent, an inspiring tribute video to Eggleston produced by Calcasieu Parish School Board Television Production students, under the direction of Britney Glaser, will be played.

Admission to all showings is free. Doors open at 4:30 p.m..