There seems to be a surge in independent film festivals today. The audiences are noticing—they’re loving it so there’s been a great supply. In fact, the small alternative movie theater in San Juan called Cinema ’76 just opened its second branch in Quezon City. Cinema ’76 is known to screen indie films after they run in festivals hosted by mall theaters.
The new branch is bringing its “trademark comfy, laid-back couch seats and pillows, coupled with a high-quality sound system” to the Anonas LRT City Center near LRT-2 Anonas Station. It has two cinemas—Cinema 1 seats 70 people and Cinema 2 seats 120.
If you want more of this kind of movie theater, support them by frequenting their screenings. Here are some other neighborhood movie houses you can go to:
Cinema Centenario
2F, 95 Maginhawa cor. Magiting Sts., Teachers Village East, Quezon City
0945-5367054
This micro-cinema in Maginhawa can seat around 65 people on these cushioned mahogany chairs. Aside from film screenings, they also have specials, talks, and workshops featuring film experts.
Black Maria Cinema
779 San Rafael St., SQ Film Laboratories Bldg., Plainview, Mandaluyong City
782-4566
This cinema is established by the same people behind the production company Black Maria Pictures. Seating around 50 people, it boasts 2K digital cinema projection, Dolby Digital Surround Sound, and a 20-feet silver-white screen.
Cinematheque Centre
855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
256-9908 loc. 131
Cinematheque was established and is maintained by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. It also has branches outside Manila: in Iloilo City and Davao City. Aside from the theater, it also has a film museum, classrooms, cafe, and souvenir shop.
CCP Arthouse Cinema
CCP Dream Theater, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
832-1125 loc. 1705 and 1712
CCP Arthouse Cinema is in the Tanghalang Manuel Conde or CCP Dream Theater. It seats 100 people, a bit bigger than the aforementioned theaters. Every second and last Thursdays of the month, it screens indie films for free.
Featured image courtesy of TBA Studios
Read more:
Lav Diaz on why he makes long films set in the past
What it’s like to work for the movies and TV, according to cinematographer Neil Daza
Films the Nolisoli team wish were in the MMFF instead
Writer: YAZHMIN MALAJITO
