The latest addition to Metro Manila’s ever-growing list of movie houses is bringing its patrons back to basics.
Cinema ’76, located in San Juan City, is a micro-cinema with a maximum seating capacity of 60 people. It is owned and operated by the Cinema ’76 Film Society, who are dedicated to screening the latest Filipino independent films, as well as non-mainstream English and foreign-language films, to a more discriminating audience.
“The singular mission of Cinema ’76 is to create a new theatrical distribution platform for filmmakers… at the same time further growing and developing the audience that would be receptive and supportive of independent Filipino films,” Cinema ’76 Film Society co-founder Vincent ‘Ting’ Nebrida told Coconuts Manila.
They got their name from 1976, considered the “golden year” of Philippine Cinema since that’s when masterpieces such as Lino Brocka’s Insiang, Eddie Romero’s Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon, Ishmael Bernal’s Nunal sa Tubig, Mike De Leon’s Itim, Mario O’Hara’s Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, and Lupita A. Concio’s Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo were made.
Nebrida co-founded Cinema ’76 with Fernando Ortigas (CEO of Tuko Film Productions) and Eduardo A. Rocha (CEO of Buchi Boy Entertainment).
Its doors opened to the public on Feb 29, the day of the Oscars. The first film they screened was Academy Award winner Spotlight.
“Cinema ’76 [is] committed to helping solidify the current Golden Age of Philippine Cinema. Ultimately, today’s filmmakers are the heart and soul of Cinema ’76,” said Nebrida, who is also the president of TBA Films and Artikulo Uno Productions, the team behind the historical epic Heneral Luna.
Aside from screening indie films and classic movies, Cinema ’76 also holds film masterclasses as their “important contribution in enhancing the education and sophistication of today’s moviegoers, in particular the young people.”
Cinema ’76 goes back to the basics — refocusing the audience to the brilliance of the film instead of the gimmicks of modern cinema. Even their interiors reflect a homey tambayan (hangout place) feel, thanks to the comfy cushions of various shades of blue over the couch made of re-purposed wooden palettes.
The cinema is equipped with 5.1 surround sound audio and can play any format, “except DCP and film.” They are open from noon to midnight, which is perfect for night owls looking for indie films any day of the week.
Want a private viewing party? Cinema ’76 can be rented out for only PHP 5,000 for two hours. The reception space at the ground floor is also available for another PHP 5,000 for two hours. The only downside? Eating is strictly prohibited inside the cinema.
“Millennials have discovered it and they love watching films here because it’s really comfortable, it feels like home. So, this cinema is really the home to indie films and indie film lovers,” Nebrida said. “We show the best, the coolest indie films in town. It’s the place to see the movies that you missed, whether recent or a long time ago.”
Cinema ’76 is located at 160 Luna Mencias Street, Brgy. Addition Hills, San Juan City. They are open Monday to Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. For inquiries, call (02) 398-1939. For their screening schedule, visit their Facebook page.
Photos courtesy of Cinema ’76 Film Society.
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