Independent cinemas are few and far between in Thailand. While people are able to enjoy various films in every mall imaginable, those shown in such chains cater to a mass audience. Although we love our big-budget blockbusters with their high-profile movie stars and dazzling special effects, all the while being seated comfortably in a luxurious, state-of-the-art cinema, they eventually become mundane after multiple repeated viewings. Therefore for some of us, we long to watch something different.
In comes the alternative cinema. From independent productions to foreign obscurities, places that offer such films are sought out by movie die-hards, hoping to break the monotony from the mainstream. As the Lido Multiplex faces closure later this year, with film lovers trying to save Scala from meeting a similar fate, we thought this would be the best time to explore and find cinemas that give the viewer more choice in what they want to watch. These places have been created not to mainly make a profit but to celebrate the art that is the moving picture, spark discussions and interest among movie buffs about films they would otherwise not have been able to see on a big screen, and give emerging filmmakers a chance to show their own work to a wider audience.
SCALA/LIDO
http://www.apexsiam-square.com
Of course, we start off this list with the oldest and most historically important. Owned by the Apex Group, Scala and Lido are two cinemas in the Siam Square area that were built in the late 1960s, with the decor and architecture an indication of a simpler time when the location hadn't become the commercially-driven tourist spot it is known for today. It doesn't get any more vintage than Scala, with its movie advertisements in the lobby to selecting seats through a paper chart. In addition to having cheap ticket prices, Scala has become a must-go location for movie lovers (if you haven't visited then what have you been doing?) due to its beautiful interior design and huge screen with an auditorium that houses 1,000 red velvet seats. While Scala mostly shows major first-run Hollywood movies and classic films (the first two Godfather films are being shown next month), its sister site Lido is a popular place for independent and foreign films.
Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill
With Lido set to face permanent closure at the end of May as part of Chulalongkorn University's redevelopment plan, now would be a good time to experience watching a movie there due to its retro look and feel, what with its cheap tickets, the snacks being sold at a stand before the entrance of its screening rooms, and its soft and squeaky movie seats. From the red, blue and green neon lighting up on the sides of the auditorium at the end of a film to the recognisable yellow blazers worn by the staff, it won't be long before Lido (sadly) becomes a relic of the past. With Scala facing rumours of impending demolition, outcry and petitions from the public have been raised as they attempt to save a culturally significant heritage site.
HOUSE RCA
Photos: Chanat Katanyu
RCA may be one of the city's largest entertainment areas for nightlife, however, it is also home to House RCA, a boutique cinema located on the 3rd floor of RCA Plaza. Originally part of a five-screen multiplex by the UMG chain, House RCA became a boutique art house cinema for alternative films in 2004, its two screening rooms showing both Thai and foreign independent films. It is surprising that House RCA has stayed operational after 13 years, considering the theatre itself has not made any profit despite having packed crowds during premieres of films you would not see anywhere else in the country. This is in part due to House RCA having support from major Thai production film studio Sahamongkolfilm, to which the cinema is affiliated. Despite this, ticket prices have risen from B100 to B140, which is still cheap when compared with mainstream cinemas. The cinema's small curated selection of independent films also comes with Thai subtitles, and they are all screened in the best format available. A film that is currently shown exclusively here is the LGBT romantic coming-of-age drama Call Me By Your Name which has won universal acclaim and multiple awards.
BANGKOK SCREENING ROOM
http://facebook.com/bangkokscreeningroom
Photos: Krit Phromsakla Na Sakolnakorn
Opening back in 2016, BKK Screening Room was conceived by a trio of passionate cinephiles after realising that places for alternative cinema were lacking. They first got the idea for the cinema after hosting a four-day Open Reel Rooftop Festival in 2014 as well as a pop-up cinema at Wonderfruit 2015. In addition to bringing independent films, classic films, and even documentaries, the cinema aims to bring cultural content, working with embassies which include the Irish and Mexican embassies to bring a diverse selection of films from around the world. The founders also work to ensure subtitles to all the films they screen include Thai and English, so consider that a plus in our book.
Located on the 2nd floor within the Woof Pack building in Sala Daeng, the venue boasts a 52-seat screening room with a high-end 4K projector. BKKSR also has a bar, where patrons can order food and drinks to bring into the room as they enjoy watching films. Filmgoers will want to book tickets due to its slick interior design alone. The cinema is also a platform for start-up filmmakers, hosting an Open Film Program where people can submit their own films for screening at the venue as well as a Short Film Showcase, where the founders handpick six or seven short films for show. The founders are also dedicated in obtaining film distribution rights to classic films in order to expand their catalogue of films. Past classic films include the original Blade Runner, Citizen Kane and the special edition of Battle Royale, so if you would like to experience classic films in high definition, then look no further.
DOC CLUB THEATER
http://facebook.com/docclubtheater
One genre of film that we don't see very often in theatres is that of the nonfiction variety -- the documentary. Enter Doc Club Theater. Founded by Thida Palitpholkarnpim, who felt that Thailand did not have any marketing channels when it comes to documentary films, this club is where people can enjoy all sorts of documentaries for your viewing pleasure. Previously, the club had their films screened through other independent cinemas that are included in this list including House RCA and BKK Screening Room. Having gained their own space in October last year, the club is located within Charoen Krung's community complex Warehouse 30. Although not considered an actual cinema per se, looking like more of an open space with multiple folding chairs and sofas facing a projector screen located at the back of a retro vintage store, Doc Club Theater has a wide selection of documentaries which they have bought the rights to screen at the location. In addition to documentaries, the club also screens alternative films which include shorts by students who have no place to screen their films.
Photos: Pasavat Tanskul
The club also serves as a place for discussion about social topics as presented in some of the documentaries. On Saturdays, the club usually hosts a talk show with directors of featured documentaries after the showing of their films, engaging with the audience which helps serve as a learning tool through the use of film.
CINEMA OASIS
http://facebook.com/cinemaoasis.bk
Located on Sukhumvit 43, Cinema Oasis will be the newest independent theatre when it opens in March. Developed by artist Manit Sriwanichpoom and film director Ing Kanjanavanit, this cinema was created to give independent filmmakers a chance to screen their own creations, as it is difficult to screen their films through major distributors as such films are only up for a short period of time before being taken down, along with having to pay additional fees to screen them in mass-market theatres. Having been in construction for over two years now, the cinema is housed within a six-storey building, and the 48-seat cinema covers two floors with an art gallery also being developed which hopes to present themed content relating to film. The cinema is also aiming to be a place that can be accessible by all. An elevator within the building is being developed to accommodate the disabled, with the cinema becoming wheelchair-friendly by providing additional seating spaces. The founders believe there is a need for more alternative places for cinema and thus Cinema Oasis was born.
In terms of film content, the cinema plans to screen special programmes and cult classics as well as host film competitions, mini film festivals and themed events. They also hope to provide private screenings of films that have been censored or banned. Founder/director Ing K was previously known for directing the banned film Shakespeare Must Die and had a documentary made about it called Censor Must Die, which is one of the documentaries planned for showing at Cinema Oasis.
