While more and more independent cinemas are closing in other parts of the world because of movie theater chains and, more recently, the popularity of online streaming, Manila has actually been experiencing a resurgence in smaller cinemas that focus on screening local independent films.
Unlike mall theaters, independent cinemas are usually more intimate. They don’t have IMAX screens, but what they do offer is an alternative selection of films most mainstream theaters don’t have and a community of filmgoers you can discuss (or argue) your thoughts with.
So whenever you’re sick of watching the latest Hollywood Blockbuster or local studio romantic comedy, visit one of these independent cinemas and treat yourself to a different viewing experience.
(Check out their Facebook pages and/or websites linked below for the latest schedules)
Black Maria Cinema
https://www.facebook.com/BlackMariaCinema/photos/a.311403972667491.1073741828.307880619686493/311403979334157/?type=3&theater
Black Maria is a production house behind some local commercials and music videos. Last year, it opened a microcinema in Mandaluyong where you can watch local and foreign films that don’t usually get wide releases like entries in last year’s Cinema One Originals Festival.
Black Maria Cinema Facebook page.
Address: 779 San Rafael Street, SQ Film Laboratories Building, Plainview, Mandaluyong City
CCP Arthouse Cinema
https://www.facebook.com/culturalcenterofthephilippines/photos/a.357200287694895.83779.356518611096396/357591737655750/?type=3&theater
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is known for staging high-budget shows and Broadway musicals but did you know that they also have an area for arthouse films? It usually screens Cinemalaya Film Festival entries from July to August but is also operational the rest of the year.
Address: CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
Cinema ’76
https://www.facebook.com/cinema76fs/photos/a.284367975241077.1073741834.223986727945869/582606088750596/?type=3&theater
Like Black Maria, Cinema ’76 was founded by a production company. This one is by TBA, the team that worked on popular independent films like Heneral Luna and I’m Drunk, I Love You.
It screens TBA films throughout the year, so those who missed them in major theaters can catch them here, but it also occasionally carries foreign and Hollywood movies.
Address: 160 Luna Mencias St., San Juan City
Cinema Centenario
https://www.facebook.com/PHCinema100/photos/a.129927754308471.1073741829.101110577190189/144246779543235/?type=3&theater
A welcome addition to Quezon City’s artsy neighborhood Maginhawa, Cinema Centenario is a microcinema that only seats 65 people. Like others on this list, it also prioritizes Filipino films. Those who go to Maginhawa for its dining options (It’s a foodie neighborhood) can also rejoice because the cinema lets people bring in food you can munch on as you watch.
Cinema Centenario Facebook page.
Address: 95 Maginhawa St. Quezon City
Cinematheque Centre Manila
https://www.facebook.com/CinemathequeMNL/photos/a.705213009619932.1073741828.703785913095975/1218699441604617/?type=1&theater
A cinema operated by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Cinematheque Centre Manila holds screenings for local films for as low as PHP100 (US$2). You couldn’t even buy tickets that cheap 10 years ago. The place is also a good place to learn more about Philippine Cinema because it also houses a film library and museum.
Cinematheque Centre Manila Facebook page.
Address: 855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
UP Film Center
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2089316577966398&set=a.1556373177927410.1073741828.100006642287340&type=3&theater
Although located inside the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman campus, the UP Film Center is open to the public. Inside the building are the 800-seater Cine Adarna and the 60-seater videotheque. Both venues screen local and foreign independent films and can be booked for events.
Address: UPFI Film Center, 2/F Cine Adarna building, Magsaysay and Osmena Ave., UP Diliman, Quezon City
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