Alternative Cinema Experiences

Alternative Cinema Experiences

01 April, 2011
by: Lowri

Not what you'd expect, not where you'd expect, here are the best alternative film experiences to be had in and around London.

These days it's not enough to be nibbling popcorn in the back row of the movies with your arm round a cutie and your stocking feet held aloft. The cinema experience has been revolutionised. If you're not watching a film outside, or being regaled by actors, or engaging in a Q and A with the director whilst eating chips and waiting for an after-party then you're not making the most of what London has to offer us cinema-goers. We bring you a tasting menu from the very best, most alternative cinema experiences.

Secret Cinema
Secret Cinema has exploded, becoming a cult happening in London, with thousands of people buying tickets for an unknown film in an unknown location based entirely on their good reputation. The events are peopled by actors, the audience dresses according to a theme and the cinema experience becomes a far more visceral, interactive event. You are actually in the scene, becoming a character in the movie – rather than just observing it on the silver screen. Noteworthy performances have included Bladerunner, The Red Shoes and Bugsy Malone. The next Secret Cinema runs from April 15th - May 8th.

Visionaire
Pop-up cinema outfit Visionaire combine underground cinema, alternative music and visual showcases in surprising and unique surroundings. Their event this April (28th - 30th) is a three-day underground cinema feast, as part of the East End Film Festival this month. Highlights include debut UK screenings of five music-related documentaries, live music performances, club nights, visual installations and art shows. The films being screened include 'Captured', 'Dirty Old Town', 'The Furious Force Of Rhymes' and 'Good Times'.

Videopia
These guys were frontrunners in the 'sweding' craze that swept the country, channelling Be Kind Rewind to cast cinema in a new light. The basic premise is the creation of a minature Hollywood movie – they cast, shoot and screen a tribute to some of Hollywood's classic films. And you can be the star of the show. Videopia filmed many Hollywood classics on the festival circuit last year, including The Wizard of Oz and Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves at Secret Garden Party, Blade Runner at Glastonbury, Alien and Star Wars at Electric Picnic. This summer they will be transporting their mobile film set to some wonderful festivals including Shangri-La at Glastonbury, The Big Chill and Bestival.....

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Lowri