OVER-THE-TOP (OTT) MEDIA platforms such as Netflix and Disney Plus have become widespread more than ever. Uplifted by the pandemic, watching movies on streaming sites is regarded as a much better option than making efforts to go to the movie theater. Meanwhile, independent movie theaters, despite their unique values, are overshadowed by streaming sites and commercial movie theaters. There are several hidden independent movie theaters near Sinchon campus that offer worthwhile experiences: Laika Cinema, Arthouse Momo, and Film Forum. Unlike franchised theaters that only play recently released commercial films, independent theaters let one explore various genres, unlimited to commercial films, and enlighten the true meaning of movies; beyond the means of a mere entertainment of the masses, it takes viewers to the aesthetic sides of movies. 

Laika Cinema

   Located in a quiet residential area of Yeonhui-dong, Laika Cinema is in a cultural facility called Space Dog. Its name “Laika'' was named to commemorate the existence of a dog called Laika, who was the first animal in the space.

   Only a few meters away from bustling Sinchon, the small alley of Yeonhui-ro establishes a completely opposite tranquil ambience. Well-suited to Yeonhui-dong, a neighborhood rich in arts and culture, Laika serves as a cultural space that inspires young artists and creators. The distinctive gray building among the old neighborhoods has a unique and artistic structure and is easily recognizable from far away. Independent movie theaters generally evoke the image of old, shabby, small theaters. However, Laika Cinema, which opened in January, 2021, breaks this stereotype with its appealing and trendy aesthetics. 

  Aside from the building itself, the movie selection acts as a source of artistic inspiration and cultural diversity. It offers a wide range of genres; it re-examines the value of showpieces and intends to publicize various art movies in a way that is familiar to the public. For example, it attracts people with the sensible interior and exterior of the building and helps audiences experience new sides of movies through the art movies it screens. Following the recent release of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, Laika Cinema planned the screening of another Christopher Nolan movie, Memento which was released in 2000. This revisits the masterwork from the past and brings it into the spotlight again.

   Space Dog also offers recreational spaces with a cafe and a rooftop. The rooftop especially renders the view of a blend between nature and a local residential area. It is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy an extraordinary experience and trendy aesthetic at an independent movie theater.

Location: 18 Yeonhui-ro 8, Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Opening hours: 10:00-20:00

Price: ₩6,000 to ₩11,000 per ticket

Arthouse Momo

   Arthouse Momo is found in the artistic Ewha Campus Complex building of Ewha Womans University. First opened in 2008, as the first movie theater on a school campus, it has been a beloved theater among Ewha Womans University students for many years. Unlike other campus site theaters, Arthouse Momo has two cinemas, offering more diverse films and frequent screenings, which makes it convenient for visitors. It frequently holds official film festivals within the theater to serve audiences with various film opportunities. Some of the recent festivals it has held are the Seoul International Architecture Film Festival and the Arab Film Festival. It has also recently held an Italian Cinema event, where it screened a series of Italian showpieces like Bicycle Thieves and The Conformist. Not only does it keep the options broad for audiences, but it also sheds light on not well-known films, encouraging diversity within the process of producing films.

   Movie tickets used to be printed on stiff paper, but since 2008 they have been changed into a receipt form. This simplified the overall ticketing system as it enabled multiple people to enter with a single receipt ticket and soon many independent theaters adopted this system. Today, this receipt ticket has changed to become a mobile ticket. However, Arthouse Momo reintroduced the paper ticket form that faded in our memories, enabling one to preserve memories with the movies engraved on paper. Arthouse Momo is recommended for those who are willing to revisit retro aesthetics or seek a throwback to their days in college[1].

Location: B402 (Gate 3), ECC building of Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Opening hours: Closed on Monday, 11:00-20:30

Price: ₩6,000 to ₩10,000 per ticket

Film Forum

   Film Forum, located near the East Gate of Yonsei University, first opened in the old Hollywood Theater by Nagwon Shopping Center in Jongno before moving to its current location[2]. The downstairs to the basement floor leads to this hidden movie theater. It revives the nostalgic image of independent movie theaters with a touch of modern aesthetics. The wooden interior also adds to creating the warm ambience of a small cinema. Unlike other movie theaters, it is a combined space with a cafe, which constitutes a perfect place for those waiting for the movies to start. As suggested by the name “Forum,” it also serves as a forum for discussion by supporting film studies and small gatherings.

   Founded on Christian beliefs, it pursues the discovery and screening of artistic, independent, and Christian films that share the meaning of the term “love” and enrich our lives. As a part of the practice of Christian beliefs, it selects a series of Christian films every month to convey the messages of God through the means of familiar media films. Well-fitting to its vision, it recently held the Seoul International Agape Film Festival which aims to project films that transcend the value of love into arts[3]. Some of the works screened in the festival include Jesus Revolution, My Small Land, and The Atomic Bomb of Love.

Location: 527 Sungsan-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Opening hours: 9:30-22:00

Price: ₩7,000 to ₩11,000 per ticket

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   Independent movie theaters offer the public valuable recreational opportunities. They bring new perspectives to the public and are essential for cultural diversity and enhancing its quality. Franchised movie theaters barely screen non-commercial films or offer screenings only over a short period, overlooking what enriches people’s lives and assures the quality of culture. Independent movie theaters, on the other hand, focus more on those art films and screen them over a long period, raising opportunities to shed light on films that have not received attention. In today’s society that is dominated and ruled by mass media, independent movie theaters are further serving as an indispensable form of media to secure the diversity and uniqueness of culture.

[1] Arthouse Momo

[2] eyesmag

[3] Film Forum