Cheesy rom-coms and box office blah have you running for the exit? Not so fast…
From dramatic, period palazzos to urban, industrial digs, these ace alternative cinemas are hitting play on the very best arthouse and independent film the world has to offer. And… Action!
Broadway Cinematheque, Hong Kong
Hong Kongers may be bonkers for blockbusters, but if you’re looking to tickle cultural tastebuds, then it’s bums down, curtains up at this nabe fave flying the flag for foreign and independent cinema in the Fragrant Harbour. The Yau Ma Tei mainstay – a unique extension of the city’s Broadway circuit – caters to hardcore movie buffs with a lineup of thematic film programs, seminars and meet-the-director sessions driving local film culture, as well as bookstore-café Kubrick stocking art publications and DVDs galore.
Prosperous Garden, 3 Public Square St, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon. +852 2388 0002. cinema.com.hk
Cinema Akil, Dubai
What began as local Emirati film aficionado Kazim Butheina’s pop-up cinema is now a perma-fixture in Dubai’s flourishing contempo art mecca, Al Quoz, showcasing everything from old Hollywood classics to world cinema and new Middle Eastern film. Choose from mega plush indoor beanbags or sprog and dog-friendly outdoor screenings, or simply sashay to one of many summer-long weekend sessions free of charge. Check the website for details.
A4 Space, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz. +971 55 760 9260. cinemaakil.com
Cinema Teatro Odeon, Florence
When the museum hordes threaten to engulf you, take cover in this this jaw-dropping screen queen, steeped in Renaissance architecture with original sculptures, tapestries and a period stained glass cupola recovered from the 1400s. Once frequented by the city’s glamarazzi, the Palazzo Strozzino-perched cinema now draws fans for a its stellar lineup of foreign and indie flicks – but note you’ll have to wait until it reopens after the grinding halt of the Italian summer.
Local lingo less coherent than Donatella after her fifth marti? Fret not. International films are screened in their native language or otherwise accompanied by English subs.
Piazza Strozzi 2, Centro. +39 055 214 068. odeonfirenze.com
Hayden Orpheum, Sydney
Cinephile’s stampede to Sydney’s Art Deco picture palace where an eclectic mix of niche movies share the spotlight with decadent glass light fittings, velvet curtains, terrazzo floors and fresh botanicals. Not only can you catch all the cult classics in six ultra-glam theatres, but if you arrive early you’ll also be treated a pre-show grand piano or pipe-organ performance. Ta-da!
380 Military Rd, Cremorne. +61 2 9908 4344. orpheum.com.au
Electric Cinema, London
Post a well-deserved nip/tuck, this silver screen icon flaunts red leather armchairs, cashmere blankets, waiter service and a grown-ups beverage program to accompany a choice roster of arthouse, classic and blockbuster reels. For something more substantial there’s retro Electric Diner just next door, and if you want to up the romance ante simply snag one of six velvet-lined beds in the front row for you and your beau.
191 Portobello Rd, W11. +44 20 7908 9696. electriccinema.co.uk
O Cinema, Miami
South Beach may be crawling with buns and guns, but when the sun’s sizzle get too much, seek respite in this cosy, hipster-beloved nonprofit picture show for an unrivalled cinematic spectacle. Indie and international films are screened behind vibrant wall murals in an edgy, converted warehouse space, complete with outdoor screening spread, gallery, and beer n’ wine-stocked concession stand.
90 NW 29th St, Wynwood. +1 305 5719 970. O-cinema.org
