With movies like Respeto, Kita Kita and more recently Smaller and Smaller Circles becoming some of the most talked about movies this year, one could say that the local indie film scene is more alive now, than ever. Gaining attention not just locally, but also overseas, alternative homegrown films are slowly climbing up the ladder to compete with mainstream movies. And, the amount of small-scale movie houses popping in the Metro is proof of this. People no longer have to wait for the next indie film festival to catch an indie film, they can just go to one of these movie houses:
Cinema ’76 (San Juan City)
Want to watch indie films, but hate large crowds? Cinema ’76, with a seating capacity of 60, it’s guarantees an intimate experience, that you won’t find in any other cinema. Aside from showing the latest indie Filipino films, they also screen English and foreign-language indie films, as well. You can see how diverse their line ups at here.
160 Luna Mencias Street, Addition Hills, San Juan City
Alliance Française de Manille (Makati City)
Don’t be fooled by the theater’s name. Aside from showing free French indie films every Wednesday, the auditorium screens local indie movies every third Wednesday of the month. Plan your trip as screen times are posted a few days in advance here.
209 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel-Air II, Makati City
UP Film Institute’s Cine Adarna (Quezon City)
The University of the Philippines Film Institute, which operates the Cine Adarna, screens films that aren’t usually shown at malls, or maybe even at other small-house theaters. Why? Because it’s censorship free! This just means you can enjoy the film as it is, no alterations. Keep up to date with their schedules here.
Magsaysay Ave. UP Diliman, Diliman, Quezon City
Cine Lokal (various SM malls nationwide)
If you’re a mall-goer who likes indie films, then Cine Lokal is the perfect place for you. Bought in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and SM Cinema with the aim of supporting local films, the films they screen are either independently produced, regional, or classics. Check them out here.
Cine Lokal is hosted by SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview and SM Mall of Asia here in the Metro.
CCP Arthouse Cinema (Pasay City)
The ultimate go-to for art and film lovers, the Cultural Center of the Philippines Arthouse Cinema engages its audience into local and international art films by not only having a year-long program of screenings, but also special events and talks with the filmmakers themselves. Keep an eye out for your favorite directors and casts here.
Roxas Boulevard corner Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City
Cinematheque Centre Manila (Manila City)
If you’re into classic or contemporary films, may it be local or international, the Cinematheque Centre Manila where you want to be. Aside from offering a diverse indie film lineup, they also screen select foreign films. Check out their screening schedules here.
855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila
Cinema Centenario (Quezon City)
The newly opened Cinema Centenario is a physical tribute to the 100 years of Philippine cinema. Here, they only screen Filipino movies. And, unlike others, it’s also open past midnight. When they’re not screening movies, they’re hosting lectures, workshops, and activities that help promote the development of Philippine cinema. Check them out here.
95 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City
Photos from cinemas’ official FB pages