A New Chapter for Cinema in Bucharest
Apollo111, a cultural center located in the heart of Bucharest’s Universul Palace, has unveiled its new program for arthouse films known as Apollo111 Cinema. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the city’s cinematic landscape, offering a dedicated space for contemporary and classic auteur films, filmmaker meet-and-greets, and experimental film projects.
The performance venue, which has undergone extensive renovations, is now equipped to host professional film screenings. The cinema will operate with a weekly schedule that includes a diverse range of films, discussions with directors, and an experimental section designed to “explore the boundaries of cinema.” The opening of Apollo111 Cinema is set for December, adding a new dimension to the existing programs at Apollo111, which continue to feature theater performances and social events.
Bucharest, home to over 2 million people, currently has only five operational arthouse cinema venues. In comparison, Budapest boasts 11 arthouse cinemas spread across 30 halls, while Paris has 38 arthouse cinemas with around 100 halls, according to information provided by Apollo111.
Romania, as a whole, had 108 cinema halls last year, with 11 of them being arthouse cinemas, according to data from the National Cinema Center (CNC). These statistics highlight the growing need for more specialized spaces to showcase unique and independent films.
A Legacy of Creativity
Apollo111 first opened in November 2016 within the historic Universul Palace building, close to Cișmigiu Park. The center features a multifunctional performance venue and a club, making it a hub for artistic expression and community engagement.
Since its inception, Apollo111 has presented over 20 theater performances, including notable works such as:
- Medea’s Boys, directed by Andrei Măjeri
- Psycho, directed by Iris Spiridon
- The Seven Deaths of Mihaela Runceanu, directed by Cătinca Drăgănescu
In addition to theatrical productions, the venue has also hosted concerts, conferences, and various other events, further solidifying its role as a cultural landmark in the city.
Expanding Horizons
Ioan Maxim, the manager of Apollo111 Cinema, emphasized the center’s commitment to experimentation and innovation. “As with everything Apollo111 has built so far, the cinema will be a place to experiment. We aim to screen auteur films from the current portfolio of local distributors, productions by young Romanian directors, and retrospectives of established personalities, while also exploring the boundaries of cinema in terms of subject, genre, or form.”
He added, “The Bucharest public needs to know that, beginning December, at Apollo111 they will be able to see films from Thursday to Sunday, in a venue that many of them know, but now adds a new direction.”
Looking Ahead
With the launch of Apollo111 Cinema, Bucharest is taking a bold step towards enriching its cultural offerings. The new venue promises to provide a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers, as well as a space for audiences to engage with diverse cinematic experiences.
This development underscores the importance of arthouse cinema in fostering creativity and dialogue within the community. As the city continues to grow and evolve, initiatives like Apollo111 Cinema play a crucial role in shaping its cultural identity.