Sure there are popular commercial theaters in malls, and yes there are streaming services you can watch in the comfort of your home. But if you’re tired of it all and want to support more independent films, here is the list to check out from:
1. Cinema ‘76 Film Society
Cinema ’76 Film Society is actually the pioneer micro-cinema in the metro. According to their Facebook, they showcase local and foreign releases, award -winning favorites, cult classics plus a wide variety of film and non-film events. Yes, the cinema also offers a multi-purpose creative space where you can hold various entertainment experiences like private film screenings, media launches, talkbacks and workshops, live viewing parties, comedy and improv shows, music gigs, gaming events, and more.
Cinema ’76 has also moved to a new location from Anonas to Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
Location: 2/F Terraces Building, Tomas Morato cor Scout Borromeo, Quezon City (Beside Hotel Rembrandt)
Price: Regular price starts at 320php
2. Cinema Centenario
Cinema Centenario launched in 2017. This humble and cozy cinema in the heart of Maginhawa in Quezon City unfortunately had to halt operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But fans need not worry because supporting local films are closer to home.
Cinema Centenario now also offer MOOV, the cinema’s virtual counterpart that functions as a movie-on-demand platform: “Cinema is for all, and everybody deserves great Filipino Cinema.” From Philippine documentaries to feature films, MOOV provides a well-curated array of choices.
They also provide a collation of reviews of Philippine Cinema through the Cine Crítico Filipino “envisioned as a growing community of young film critics who take film writing and criticism seriously. As a collective, we imagine a Filipino cinema with a healthy and vibrant dialogue between its filmmakers and critics, and aspire to develop the great Filipino audience.”
Keep tuned when it opens its doors again!
MOOV: https://moov.cinemacentenario.com/films
Location: 95 Maginhawa St., Teachers Village West, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1101
Price: Some of them are free to watch, but you can also donate to support the organization.
3. Black Maria Cinema
This might be a micro-cinema but Black Maria Cinea offers 2K Digital Cinema Projection, 7.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound, and a 20-feet Silver-White Screen. It has been screening local and independent films since October 2017 and can seat 40 people. You can also drop by its sister café and similarly family-owned Santiago’s.
Location: SQ Film Laboratories Building, 779 San Rafael St. Plainview, Mandaluyong City
Price: Regular starts at 200php; students 150php
4. UP Diliman’s Cine Adarna
An 800-seat university cinema screens quality films unbounded by censorship. The Cine Adarna is operated by the Film Center under the University of the Philippines Film Institute and aims to show different and distinct titles to allow audience to appreciate cinematic arts both local and international. The theater is also a regular venue for various international film programs promoted by different embassies and other cultural institutions.
Location: UPFI Film Center, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman 1101 Diliman, Quezon City
5. Cinematheque Centre Manila
The Film Development Council of the Philippines operates several Cinematheques around the country to showcase diverse content offerings to the regions, including independent, classic, and world cinema. According to FDCP, the Cinematheque Centres showcases monthly thematic films which are curated by the central programming committee along with classic and contemporary films for special partnerships.
In Manila, the Cinematheque Centre Manila offers paid and free screenings. It releases tickets only an hour before the screening time, unless promoted. So keep checking their page!
Location: Cinematheque Centre Manila: 855 Kalaw Ave, Ermita, Manila
6. Alliance Française de Manille
Oui! If you love French films, this is definitely the place to go to. The Alliance Française de Manille hosts the Le Ciné Club which offers free screenings of new and classic French movies every Wednesdays. Meanwhile, you can catch more films under Ciné Goûter on Saturday afternoons, with tickets ranging from P250 to P350. While you’re at it, go ahead and check their offerings for French classes!
Location: 209 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel-Air II, Makati City
7. CCP Arthouse Cinema: Tanghalang Manuel Conde
The Cultural Center of the Philippines Arthouse Cinema is a go-to for art and film lovers. Named after a National Artist for Cinema, the theater engages audiences through screenings of into local and international art films and special events and talks with the filmmakers themselves.
Location: Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theater), Roxas Boulevard corner Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City#
