Indie Films are Awesome!

     Movie theaters are an inseparable part of cultural life for modern people. With their easy accessibility, close connection to daily life, and reasonable prices, they have gained widespread popularity. Although the film industry stagnated during the COVID-19 pandemic, movie theaters remain an essential space for cultural experiences. Watching mainstream commercial films at large movie theaters like CGV or Megabox is very common. However, behind the crowded scenes, there are independent films that don’t get screened in these large multiplexes. Independent films play a crucial role in pushing the frontier of the film industry, continually expanding diversity and artistry. As of 2023, there are a total of 573 movie theaters in Korea, but only 69 of them are screening independent films. Let’s now look at some of the central independent cinemas located in Seoul and their unique characteristics to raise awareness on independent films.

1. Laika Cinema

     Laika Cinema is in Seodaemun-gu, and is the only movie theater in Yeonhui-dong. It has a single screening room with 40 seats. Despite its small size, Laika Cinema is equipped with a 1.85:1 widescreen and 7.1-channel Dolby Atmos sound, offering visitors a vivid visual experience and immersive sound. The cinema is in ‘Space Dog,’ a multi-purpose cultural complex. Beyond merely the role of screening films, it serves as a cultural space by providing audiences with an expanded experience, integrating with the building’s cafe, studio, and other facilities.

2. Art House Momo

     Art House Momo is an independent cinema located within the ECC (Ewha Campus Complex) building of Ewha Womans University. While its location inside a university building makes it slightly less accessible compared to other theaters, the screening facilities and interior space are very comfortable. There are two screening rooms, each with 138 seats. Since 2010, it has been running the ‘Momo Curator’ project, where audiences can become curators themselves and participate in various events, such as film festivals, special screenings, film schools, and podcast broadcasts. Through this program, Art House Momo is creating an audience-centered cinema experience.

3. Emu Cinema
     Emu Cinema is an independent cinema located near Gyeonghuigung Palace, screening art films mainly. It uses the 2nd and the 3rd floor, and rooftop as screening rooms. Theater 1 has 51 seats, and Theater 2 has 52 seats. On the rooftop, Emu Cinema hosts its unique film festival, the ‘Starlight Film Festival.’ This festival runs annually from May to July, and offers a special outdoor movie experience where viewers can watch films while sitting on bean bags and camping chairs. Furthermore, the cinema regularly hosts programs such as GV (Guest Visit) and special screenings.

4. Cinecube
     Cinecube is an independent cinema located in Gwanghwamun, and it has been operating since 2000, making it the oldest art cinema still in existence. Upon entering the cinema lobby, visitors are greeted by posters, a ticket counter, and a spacious relaxation area. It is common to see patrons sitting and discussing the films after watching them. The cinema has two screening rooms: Theater 1 has 293 seats, and Theater 2 has 72 seats, providing a comfortable environment for viewing films. Cinecube exceeds the Korea Film Council’s standard for art cinema by featuring 90% of its screenings as art films, far surpassing the required 60%. It is also the largest art film screening venue certified by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Seoul.

5. Artnine
     Artnine is a cinema located in Dongjak-gu. It consists of two screening rooms: Theater 0, with 88 seats, and Theater 9, with 54 seats. As Artnine is an art cinema operated by Megabox, it offers a comfortable viewing experience. The cinema is housed in a building that also has an open terrace, an outdoor screening area, and a restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy a multi-dimensional cultural experience. Artnine also publishes a monthly newsletter, Paper Nine, which provides updates on films and features quizzes. 
Through this format, it offers audiences a variety of content related to films.
     Independent cinemas offer significant advantages over regular multiplex theaters, including lower ticket prices and the unique atmosphere provided by their historical and traditional settings. Additionally, these cinemas can create an experience where the medium of film transcends simple one-way communication, allowing audiences to share in the deeper meanings and special contents that independent films provide. If you’re tired of the repetitive cliches found in commercial movies, ST strongly recommends to Soongsilians to explore independent cinemas and discover unique cinematic experiences. 

Lee Hyun-jun (News Editor)

ace309314@soongsil.ac.kr

Choi Ye-jin (ST Cub-Reporter)

cloe04@soongsil.ac.kr