Cinema ’76 – Let’s go Indie (Loco-Local)

Cinema ’76 is a mini theater located in the city of San Juan. It is created by TBA (Tuko Film Productions, Buchi Boy Entertainment, and Artikulo Uno Productions) to showcase their films and other works of local filmmakers. It got its name from the last Golden Years of Philippine Cinema — 1976.

One of the saddest events in Philippine Culture is the decline of Philippine Cinema or maybe the declination of support from us Filipinos. International Films are shown non-stop in malls and we prefer on watching them. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we forget to appreciate what is ours. As a result, some of the local films are either removed from theaters after a week or two, without having a chance to show their potential.

Even I am also guilty of this, I watched Filipino romance movies but not many of the other films. It’s not that I don’t like watching Filipino films, it is just that when I watch I prefer feel-good movies rather than the serious tone of indie films (the depiction of problems in the Philippines) and the heavy dramas of some mainstream films. There’s no doubt that indie films are good mediums to voice out our emotions and it’s good to accept reality, but I believe at the end of the day, we need stories to feel happy and inspire us.

CINEMA ’76

Anyways, my high school friends invited me to watch Birdshot and Star Na si Van Damme Stallone in Cinema ’76. I kept on hearing and seeing Birdshot and Cinema ’76 on social media platforms so I got curious and accepted my friends’ invitation.

Cinema ’76 is a mini theater wherein your seats are couches, not those individual ones with dividers, but a seat without borders where you sit closely with the one beside you. It’s like watching movies in the comforts of your home.  When it comes to the quality of the video and sound, it is clear and in high definition.  The experience is like being in malls but with a more focused and closer view. The only problem is when the one in front of you is tall and blocks your view. XD Like theaters in malls, They also show trailers of their upcoming films. One that caught my attention is the Women of the Weeping River. Hopefully, I can come back to watch the film.

BIRDSHOT AND STAR NA SI VAN DAMME STALLONE

Watching Birdshot and Star Na si Van Damme Stallone made me see the development of Philippine Cinema. The cinematography and plot lines were different and more enticing. I loved how the colors were enhanced and gave focus on the storytelling. They made me want to watch and support more of our local films.

When I was a child, I always see different Filipino Films from action, comedy to drama and most of them will be a part of my childhood. Visiting Cinema ’76 gave me a chance to relive that moment and see the changes in Philippine Cinema and made me appreciate it more.  It is a theater that gives a chance for Filipino filmmakers to show that we can create masterpieces.

Kudos to TBA for having a theater like this! They solved one of the problems in the industry — to help local filmmakers and actors show their works to us Filipinos. It is a big help for the industry and the country to promote creativity and cultural appreciation. It has the purpose of showing Filipino culture, talents, and arts.

REMINDERS/TIPS/GUIDES

CHECK OUT THESE DISCOUNTED/PROMO RATES IN KLOOK:

• Art in Island: 3D Interactive Art Gallery Ticket
• Manila Ocean Park Ticket
• The Mind Museum BGC All-Day Pass
• Seda BGC Staycation with Breakfast and ₱1000 Food Credits
• The Big Binondo Food Wok

Klook.com

NOTES:

• The cinema can accommodate 50 to 60 people
• The regular ticket price is 150 Pesos
• Cinema ’76 Address: 160 Luna Mencias Street, Barangay Addition Hills, San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Operating Hours: 2:30 PM to 11:30 PM (From Monday to Thursday); 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Friday); 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Saturday and Sunday)
• Contact Number (Landline): 398-1939
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cinema76fs
• Bringing food and drinks is allowed as long as you will not eat/drink them on the couch, there is a dining area available at the back for you to eat while watching.
• Souvenirs/products like shirts and CDs are also available for purchase.

©CHASEJASE