Take a Look on Cinema '76 - the Newest Theater in Town!

Cinema '76 is the latest addition to Metro Manila's ever-growing list of cinemas. A micro-cinema with a maximum seating capacity of 60 (sixty), Cinema '76 is dedicated to bringing the latest Filipino independent films as well as English and foreign-language films to its discriminating movie audience. 

Last week, Cinema '76 invited me to a screening of Francis Xavier Pasion's award-winning films Jay and Bwaya (both are terrific movies, but that's for a separate article), as well as to experience their new micro-cinema firsthand. 

Going in, I was welcomed with a long sofa (filled with matching pillows) serving as our seat for the movie. Nothing fancy nor glamorous, but the atmosphere is very peaceful and homey. My only concern would have to be the position of the screen, which can easily blocked if there's someone watching in front of you. I recommend looking for a better seat when watching a movie here.

Their film line-up was terrific nonetheless. Recently, they screened Heneral Luna for free with a special Q and A session with the cast (John Arcilla, Mon Confiado, Epy Quizon, etc.) and this week, a Rudy Fernandez retrospective. I was also told by the staff they organized a live Oscars party for the public last February. That must be fun.

In the coming weeks, the films of Elwood Perez and Raymond Red will be shown in the cinema. (Click here for the full details)

Established last February, Cinema '76 aims to cater films (local and international) which didn't receive enough spotlight during their commercial or film festival runs. 

It is located at the TBA Building in Brgy. Addition Hills, San Juan which houses Artikulo Uno, the production company behind the 2015 critical hit Heneral Luna. 

See the map below on how to get to Cinema '76:

160 Luna Mencias St. Brgy. Addition Hills, 1600 San Juan, Philippines.

Cinema '76 is Inspired by the year 1976 in Philippine Cinema (a Golden year marked by such classics as Brocka's "Insiang" and "Lunes, Martes...." Eddie Romero's "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon," Ishmael Bernal's "Nunal sa Tubig" and "Ligaw na Bulaklak," Mike De Leon's "Itim," Mario O'Hara's "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos," Lupita A. Concio's "Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo," and "Alkitrang Dugo"), 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.

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