After four years as the capital’s go-to alternative cinema, the Bangkok Screening Room today broke cinephiles’ hearts with word it is closing.
Owner Sarinya Manamuti said that, with their lease ending in March, they’ve decided not to renew it given the impossible financial situation created by the pandemic that’s kept people away from theaters for the past year. She said they have no plans to relocate.
“Unfortunately, the continuing pandemic has greatly affected our business, and we have exhausted all our available resources to push further,” Sarinya said earlier in announcing the news.
Whether there will be a farewell party or other event, she said any planning is on hold so long as the ban on serving alcohol remains in place.
The venue’s current program includes Coen Brothers’ classic Fargo on the occasion of the film’s 25th anniversary, ‘60s musical comedy Bye Bye Birdie and critically acclaimed National Theatre Live: War Horse (2014). Moviegoers can check out the schedule and book tickets online.
“We’ve stopped accepting new members since last month. Now, we encourage current members to come and use all their benefits,” Sarinya said by phone Wednesday afternoon. “Those who have free movie vouchers can use them until the last day we’re open.”
Bangkok Screening Room opened with 52 seats in September, 2016. It’s located on the second floor of the Woof Pack Building on Soi Sala Daeng 1, reachable from BTS Sala Daeng exit No. 4 or MRT Lumphini’s exit No. 2.
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