// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did Cinema '76 say to the film? You're projected to succeed.
 Logo of the Cinema '76 Film Society | |
 Interactive map of Cinema '76 | |
| Address | Unit 204, 37 Scout Borromeo, Tomas Morato St., South Triangle Quezon City Philippines |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 14°38′14″N 121°02′09″E / 14.637284°N 121.035713°E |
| Owner | TBA Studios |
| Capacity | 60 |
| Type | Microtheater |
| Construction | |
| Opened | February 2016 |
| Closed | October 25, 2026 (anticipated) |
Cinema '76, composed of the Cinema '76 Film Society and Cinema '76 Café, is an independent microtheater and café. The cinema opened in February 2016 in San Juan, Metro Manila, moving to Anonas LRT City Center in Quezon City and finally to Tomas Morato Avenue prior to its anticipated closure.
The cinema screened independent Filipino and foreign films, including those of its owner, TBA Studios. It also held screenings for mainstream films, with its programming targeted towards film enthusiasts in Metro Manila.
History
[edit]The Cinema '76 Film Society was opened in February 2016 by TBA Studios.[1][2] Its first branch was located in Brgy. Addition Hills in San Juan, and seated 50 to 60 people. The cinema was named after 1976, considered by the founders as "the last Golden Year of Philippine Cinema."[3]
On June 8, 2018, Cinema '76 opened its second branch at the Anonas LRT City Center in Quezon City, directly connected to Anonas station of the LRT 2. The new branch included two screening rooms, one similar to their San Juan branch with 60 seats (named the "MP4 Room"), and a larger room (the "DCP Room") fitting 120 to 130 people.[4]
As the COVID-19 pandemic developed, quarantine restrictions forced the closure of cinemas in Metro Manila, including Cinema '76.[5][6] In November 2020, it introduced Cinema '76@Home, which screened its usual programming of films online.[7] The cinema's al fresco movie-themed café, Cinema '76 Café, opened on June 11, 2021, separated by a mezzanine from the Anonas cinema.[2][5][8] It was initially envisioned in 2018 as a space for film enthusiasts to talk after screenings.[6] Due to the extended closures, Cinema '76 closed its San Juan branch on September 15 that year.[9] Plans to reopen the Anonas branch remained despite the San Juan branch's closure, ultimately reopening after restrictions on cinemas were lifted after 19 months, in November 2021.[2][10]
The Anonas branch had its last screening in October 4, 2022, in preparation for a move to the Terraces Building, on the corner of Tomas Morato Avenue and Scout Borromeo St.[11] The new location had the café and cinema on the same floor, with both al fresco and indoor, air-conditioned dining as new options. It featured only one screening room, seating up to 60 people.[2] The cinema reopened on November 23,[11] followed by the café on March 18, 2023.[12] After the move to Tomas Morato, the cinema adopted three cats: Heneral Luya (a play on Heneral Luna), Heneral Toyo (on Goyo), and President Quezo (on Quezon).[13][14]
On September 29, 2026, Cinema '76 announced its permanent closure on October 25, 2026.[15]
Programming
[edit]Cinema '76 initially opened as a distribution venue for local filmmakers, particularly for independent films with limited runs in larger cinemas. Programming catered to film enthusiasts in the Metro Manila area. Showings initially focused on Filipino classics and present-day indie films, with occasional films from foreign film festivals.[3] As the cinema moved to Anonas, the cinema also began showing films that were screening in larger cinemas.[4] After the cinema reopened following the pandemic, the cinema also began screening a mix of foreign and local films, including those from the mainstream.[2]
Cinema '76 is known for hosting post-film talkbacks and Q&As with filmmakers.[1][2] Since its opening in San Juan, Cinema '76 is a venue for private screenings.[3] The cinema later expanded to host other events, including fan events and comedy shows.[2]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Vibal, Leana (September 30, 2026). "Beloved Movie Spot Cinema'76 Film Society Is Closing Its Doors This October". Spot.ph. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Soliman, Michelle Anne (October 10, 2022). "What's in store after Cinema '76 moves to Tomas Morato". BusinessWorld. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Dacanay, Aimee (July 8, 2016). "This new cinema is perfect for Pinoy indie movie fans". Spot.ph. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- 1 2 Aldana, Ida (May 28, 2018). "FIRST LOOK: The New Branch of Cinema '76 Is Your New After-Work Hangout in QC". Spot.ph. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- 1 2 "LOOK: Cinema '76 Cafe, an al fresco movie-themed coffee shop in Quezon City". The Philippine Star. June 9, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- 1 2 "How Cinema '76 Café helps fill the gap left by a paralyzed film industry". Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 4, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ Cabrera-Paraiso, Janelle Roa (October 1, 2026). "Cinema '76 is closing after nearly 11 years—here's where cinephiles can go next". The Post. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ Rodriguez, Mia (June 9, 2021). "Cinephiles, This Chill Al-Fresco Café in QC Has Everything You've Been Missing". Spot.ph. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ "'Bawal umiyak': Cinema '76 Film Society is closing its San Juan branch". ABS-CBN. September 10, 2021. Archived from the original on September 29, 2026. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ Lariosa, Saab (September 11, 2021). "Last full show: Cinema '76 Film Society San Juan is closing its doors". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- 1 2 Viernes, Franchesca (November 17, 2022). "Cinema '76 Film Society to reopen in Tomas Morato with QCinema Int'l Film Festival shows". GMA News. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ Purnell, Kristofer (March 15, 2023). "Cinema '76 Cafe launching with new menu, interiors in Tomas Morato". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ Alcantara, Carissa (September 30, 2026). "11 years, countless memories: Cinema '76 announces closure". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ See, Kaitlyn Beatrice (September 10, 2026). "Finding a Little Escape from Real Life at Cinema '76". 8List.ph. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Cinema '76 in Quezon City to close Oct. 25". ABS-CBN. September 29, 2026. Archived from the original on October 3, 2026. Retrieved October 3, 2026.