In the midst of moviegoers are small pockets of indie film enthusiasts who seldom get to enjoy seeing their much-anticipated films on large screens. Thankfully Kinosaurus (Kino means cinema in German), a microcinema, provides a remedy for this obstacle. Tucked away in the heart of Kemang is a haven for all movie enthusiasts seeking a change of scene from the otherwise popular blockbuster films.
Enclosed by wide glass windows, one would be surprised to find that the venue was created for a microcinema. Nevertheless, once the projector screen comes into sight, it would be clear that this area was furnished for screening purposes. The warm wooden interior makes for an inviting setting to enjoy a vast array of films that rarely appear in your regular movie theatres. Among the seats available is a mix of beanbags, sofas, stools, and cushioned chairs that contrast with your run-off-the-mill red movie theatre seats.
Open from Friday to Sunday, the variety of the films is a mix between both Indonesian and international titles. That’s a result of collaboration with film communities such as Kolektif, where they work with Kinosaurus in coming up with a monthly movie programme with titles like Kejarlah Daku Kau Kutangkap (1986) by Indonesian director Chaerul Umam and Girlhood (2014) by French director Céline Sciamma.
Though some titles may sound offbeat, they are nonetheless novel and fresh, and Kinosaurus simultaneously provides all filmmakers, especially those local ones, with an additional platform to screen their works. With that many titles they handle, the microcinema strives to encourage interactions between various age groups during film screening — whether it be with family, friends or strangers of common interests.
When Kinosaurus is not screening on weekdays, it serves as an extension for the do-it-yourself café Ruang Seduh. In addition, it also houses Lab Laba Laba, a place for filmstrip movie reparations by a group of artists.
With scores of Indonesian directors flourishing in the past few years, the presence of Kinosaurus provides a channel where their works can be seen and appreciated by more audience. And as difficult as it is for local directors to make their mark, Kinosaurus proves that no matter what, the show must still go on.
Jl. Kemang Raya 8B, Jakarta 12730
info.kinosaurus@gmail.com
For more info on their monthly film programmes, visit www.kinosaurusjakarta.com
