New indie cinema Bangkok Screening Room finally opens it doors this Thursday, Sep 22, promising to screen cult films from all over the world, from directors as diverse as Apichatpong to Hitchcock, using a high-end 4K digital projector and professional surround sound. 

 

Here, we have a sneak preview of what the city’s new alternative cinema has to offer. On our visit, the place was still awaiting some finishing touches, but what we found was a minimalist yet inviting space. A neon sign reading "BKKSR" welcomes you into the reception area where you'll also find a fully stocked bar. 

 

As promised, the screening room seats 50 patrons and comprises soundproof walls and an impressive Dolby Digital soundsystem, which delivers a particularly powerful bass. With an elevator and ramps, the building and screening room is also wheelchair-friendly. Film tickets will be B300.

 

Upon launch, the bar will offer a range of craft beers such as Rogue Hazelnut (B245), Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA (B235) and Kagua (B490), along with Harry Brompton's alcoholic ice tea (B180). More cocktail options are on the way, too. Food covers easy bites like French fries, the East-meets-West spaghetti sai oua (Northern Thai sausage, B180) and pulled pork sliders (B240). 

 

The premiere screenings on Sep 22 will be the North Korean film Comrade Kim Goes Flying and Apichatpong Weerasethakul's Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. You can check the full schedule on the official website. 

 

In a recent interview, the cinema's co-founder Sarinya Manamuti also told us about how they plan to support local independent flims.

 

"We’ve just launched an open film program, where we reserve one slot for an independent Thai film to screen each month. The filmmaker will get a fair share of the ticket sales. We also plan mini showcases before every feature film, when the big cinemas show all their ads. We will allow 20-30 minutes to young filmmakers who want to show their films for free," Sarinya said.

 

See below for a first look at the new cinema.

 

 

 

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See also: Meet the people behind Bangkok's new indie cinema

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