Gone are the days when your only way to see a movie is in commercial theaters in malls. Today, there is a push towards the devolution of cinema from mainstream distributors to micro movie houses that spotlight indie films and rerun ones you’ve missed.
Cinema ’76 Film Society
160 Luna Mencias St. Brgy. Addition Hills, San Juan | Unit 01, 3rd Flr. Anonas LRT City Center Aurora Blvd. Bagumbuhay, Quezon City
637-5076
facebook.com/cinema76fs
A first of its kind, Cinema ’76 is affiliated with independent production house TBA Studios. They screen films both mainstream and indie, old and new, for a small number of audiences in their cozy setup. They recently opened a branch in Anonas, which can accommodate more viewers as well as show two movies simultaneously.
Cinema Centenario
95 Maginhawa St., Quezon City
0945-5367054
facebook.com/PHCinema100
This microcinema in Maginhawa is dedicated not only to showcasing local films but also educating the public about the craft by hosting workshops, talks, and lectures in its intimate space that can fit up to 65 people.
Cinematheque Centre Manila
855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
256-9908
fdcp.ph
In 2016, the Cinematheque was established under the mandate of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Apart from Filipino films, they also host international film festivals and exhibits.
Black Maria Cinema
779 San Rafael St., SQ Film Laboratories Bldg., Plainview, Mandaluyong
782-4566
facebook.com/BlackMariaCinema
High resolution digital projection with surround sound is what sets this Mandaluyong theater apart from other independent ones in Manila. The studio behind it also offers pre-prod and post-prod services for filmmakers as well as equipment rentals.
UP Film Institute
Ylanan Ave., University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City
981-8500
filminstitute.upd.edu.ph
Home to emerging filmmakers, it is no wonder that UP has its own theater to show the works of its students as well as those of its alumni. Its expansive space with plush individual seating could match that of commercial cinemas’ except they don’t charge as much.
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
De La Salle-College of St. Benilde School of Design and Arts, Dominga St., Malate, Manila
230-5100
facebook.com/MCAD.Manila
A series of free movie screenings is hosted at the CSB School of Design and Arts every month with varying themes. Although held inside school premises, it is generally open to the public.
Header photo courtesy of UP Film Institute
Get more stories like this by subscribing to our weekly newsletter here.
Read more:
This year’s Cinemalaya will be screened across the country for the first time
Local movies will soon premiere on Fridays instead of Wednesdays
They deserve love, too: Underrated queer films you can watch this Pride Month
Writer: CHRISTIAN SAN JOSE
