Film

Cinemas with a difference

Tired of crowds and big complexes? Check out these quirky mini-theatres around Tokyo. Words Kunihiro Miki

CINEMA AMIGO Just a minute’s walk from the Zushi coastline, this café and cinema has a wonderful seaside feeling, with the smell of the ocean wafting through its windows. Opened in 2009 in a renovated house, Cinema Amigo shows films four times per day (10am, 3pm, 5.30pm, 8pm). The lineup changes on a weekly basis and focuses on new releases in all genres from documentaries to popular art house films that showcase the owner’s quirky taste. Many people stop by for lunch at the attached Amigo Kitchen café and bar, where the lunchtime chef prepares cuisine using local vegetables and seafood. 1-5-14 Shinjuku, Zushi-shi, Kanagawa (Zushi Station). 046 873 5643. cinema-amigo.com. Daily 9.45am-12am.

FUKAYA CINEMA Found inside a renovated sake brewery along the old Nakasendo Road in Fukaya, Saitama, this theatre got its start when a group of residents began collecting signatures in 1999 to motivate the establishment of a cinema. It may have taken a decade for their wish to materialise, but it finally opened in 2010. Tickets are ¥1,100 and the theatre mainly shows popular art house and classic films. They also often hold stage introductions and talk events by directors and actors, making this already unique movie theatre an appealing option even for those who are just visiting the area. 9-12 Fukayacho, Fukaya-shi, Saitama, former Nanatsuume distillery (Fukaya Station). 048 551 4592. fukayacinema.jp. 10am-10pm, closed Tue.

BRILLIA SHORTSHORTS THEATRE Opened in Minato Mirai in Yokohama in 2008, this is the first cinema in Japan to specialise in short films. Seeking to stimulate the shortfilm scene and uncover talent among young artists who will inevitably lead the movie industry in the future, the theatre presents the cream of the crop gathered from across the world. The interior takes its inspiration from the red carpet, and the theatre is equipped with specially designed Quinette Gallay chairs, making for a luxurious viewing experience. The lobby café serves up light snacks such as pizza sticks and quiche, along with a selection of local and international beers. 2F Filmee, 5-3-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohamashi, Kanagawa (Shin-Takashima Station). 045 633 2151. www.brillia-sst.jp. 10am-10pm, closed Tue.

Cinema Amigo

Cinema Amigo has a wonderful seaside feeling

Cinema Novecento

CINEMA NOVECENTO It’s a rare occasion when a new small-scale movie theatre opens in the Tokyo area, but Novecento surprised us all by opening in February 2015 in Yokohama. It has a mere 28 seats and it only screens 35mm and 16mm films. Old-school cinema fanatics will love the down-to-earth vibe, which makes it easy to strike up conversation with the staff and fellow movie fans, while the associated restaurant (‘trattoria’) is good for getting snacks and drinks before or after the movie. The programme ranges from time-honoured classics to short, privately distributed features, while the space also hosts talks and events like rakugo (traditional comic storytelling) performances. To top it off, loyal film enthusiasts can try their hand at the projectionist’s job during the regular workshops. 2F Iwazaki Bldg, 2-1-8 Chuo, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Tobe Station). 045 548 8712. cinema1900.wix.com/ home. Cinema opening times vary according to schedule, restaurant open from 5pm-12am.

For upcoming events and movie reviews see timeout.com/tokyo