From Arthouse Cinema to Microcinema

The Underground Cinema: Charleston, WV

     I believe the atmospheric tonalities of the microcinema diversify it from mass market theaters as well as art houses. When one reflects on the charms of the microcinema, they reflect on the nostalgia, programming quirks, stained chairs, old popcorn, and its unique spirit-- components that constitute atmopsheres. This new cinematic experience that others craved derived from its atmosphere, for one cannot have a cinematic experience without an atmosphere. Rebecca Alvain, the author, states the difference between arthouse and microcinemas derives from the community, thus heightening my claim.

     The author states, "Many examples of film societies are located in the Connecticut suburbs, in Delaware, and Charleston, WV." For those of you who did not know, I am from Charleston, West Virginia. For the past three years I have been attending a microcinema called the Underground Cinema.  It is literally underground in a basement with an alley way entrance, and is unique because of its coffee, book shop, and live music upstairs. On September 23, 2018, during Hurricane Florence, I had the opportunity to celebrate  Art House Day at the Underground Cinema. Although they characterize themselves as an "art house," I disagree. The atmosphere truly distinguishes itself and supports my theory. When I peer at the Underground Cinema's reviews on Facebook and Google, I notice they all support their opinions by describing  its atmosphere: "great, small, and intimate" "cool vibe," "tiny but cozy," "everyone in the crowd was great and very respectful of the movie and space," "cozy micro-theater," and so on. The atmosphere generated a particular charm that was responsible for shaping their perspective. From these descriptions, one can infer the charm of microcinema resides in the idea that less is more. Although it doesn't showcase commercial films, reclining chairs, 100 seats, fresh popcorn, a surround sound system, or alcohol, it was a spectacular addition to the arts and culture scene and nicely fills a cinematic void for Charleston film lovers.

     Whether it be film festivals, film societies, ciné-club, or microcinema's, it is important to travel outside of your comfort zone, to let your imagination wonder, and to explore life from different point of views. I have attended almost every ciné-club, with the exception of a few, and have expanded my repertoire, interests, and passions substantially. I even curated my own screening last semester of Splendor in the Grass, a film my mother and I simply adore.