There's nothing quite like watching a film with your SO! But there are times when the films you want to watch have been pulled out of commercial theaters or you just want a change of scene, right?
Enter, independent cinemas! Over the past years, they've been popping up all over the metro, and what's great about them is that they show indie and restored films, especially Filipino-made ones! PLUS, they sometimes have free screenings! Check out some of them below:
1. Cinema Centenario
This microcinema, which was founded in 2017, can only fit up to 65 people. You can even borrow blankets and pillows from the counter!
Where you can find it: 95 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Price range: P150 to 200
What the theater looks like inside:
2. Black Maria Cinema
Another ~tiny~ theater, Black Maria was once a final screening room of SQ Film Productions in the '70s! ALSO, this theater allows alcohol inside! It has been screening local and independent films since October 2017 and can seat 40 people.
Where you can find it: SQ Film Laboratories Building, 779 San Rafael St. Plainview, Mandaluyong City
What the theater looks like inside:
3. Cinema '76
The popular cinema in San Juan now has another branch in Anonas! The founders of Cinema '76 are also the people behind TBA Studios (which produced Heneral Luna and I'm Drunk, I Love You).
Where you can find it: 160 Luna Mencias St. Addition Hills, San Juan City and 3rd Floor Anonas LRT City Center, Aurora Blvd. Bagumbuhay, Quezon City.
Price range: P150 to 200
What the theater looks like inside:
4. Cine Adarna
This place is free from film censorship! Though not exactly intimate (it can seat up to 800 people), the UP Cine Adarna regularly holds screening of local and international independent films followed by talks with its actors and directors.
Where you can find it: Magsaysay Ave, UP Diliman, Quezon City
Price range: P150 to 200
What the theater looks like inside:
5. Cinematheque Centre Manila
Guys, this theater has a film museum! It's run by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and has a cafe (filled with film posters, of course), a souvenir shop, and ever-changing exhibits.
Where you can find it: 855 Kalaw Ave, Ermita, Manila
Price range: P100
What the theater looks like inside:
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