Archives for “film” tag

Paris is a city that’s obessesed with film and for cinema lovers Le Forum des Images is a real treat. The centre opened in 1988 with the aim of compiling an audiovisual memory bank of Paris but films shown here range from golden-age Hollywood classics to obscure documentaries as well as rare pieces of vintage cinema and even TV series and cartoons. 

The centre runs frequent festivals throughout the year and tickets for screenings are always reasonably priced. One of my favourite Paris memories is coming here to see a selection of old black and white Charlie Chaplin silent movies complete with live piano accompaniment, all for only € 5!

Check the website to keep up to date with the latest screening details but also make sure to check out the Salles des Collections within Le Forum. This is a huge room filled with a variety of sofas, comfy chairs and cosy booths where with friends or alone you can watch films of your choice on individual screens with headphones. The selection is huge and does feature some English films, plus, once you’ve paid your entry fee you can stay as long as you want!

P.S. Extra added bonus – there’s a cute bar and café too with really friendly staff and free wifi!

This elegant Japanese style cinema has got to be one of Paris’s most beautiful, and unusual, filmhouses. Located in the chic and predominantly residential 7th arrondissement it’s actually the only cinema in this neighbourhood. Originally built in 1896 by the architect, Francois Emile-Morin, the building’s unique Oriental style is the result of Emile-Morin’s wife’s great passion for the Far East. 

Today its architectural style is deemed so impressive that it’s actually been declared a listed building under French law. Seeing a film in the gorgeous main viewing room is a real treat; red velvet curtains and detailed Japanese art and dark wood features make for a cinema trip you wont forget no matter what you think of the film itself!

On dry days be sure to leave time to visit the serene Japanese garden that’s part of the cinema too, a wonderful restful spot to escape the buzz of the city. Also, if you don’t speak French, don’t worry, La Pagode also shows many American and English releases. Make sure the film is listed as VO (original version) and you’ll have no problems understanding, no matter the level of your French!

Named after its address (cent quatre translate as one hundred and four in French) this mammoth arts space only opened 4 years ago but it’s become a significant feature on the Paris contemporary arts scene.

Its colossal size has to be seen to be believed. Le Cent Quatre was formerly the city’s main funeral parlour but don’t worry, there are no trace of horses or coffins left now. Today the space is bright and open and features artist ateliers, permanent and temporary exhibitions, an amazing fully-working carousel, a gorgeous bookshop, restaurant, cafés, a second hand charity vintage shop and plenty of comfy spots where you can simply sit and relax and take in the impressive surroundings.

The programme features events for both adults and children which range from art installations and film projections to classical concerts and electronic club nights. At weekends I sometimes stop by to watch some of the hip-hop dance offs organised here by local dancers from the neighbourhood. It’s a brilliant space, and although it’s location is a bit off the traditional tourist track it’s well worth the detour.

P.S. Several of the cafes here also now have wifi so if you need to catch up on some work during your trip to Paris this is a great place to head for.

Year 2012: Paris is not the city any more where Picasso paints, Breton automatically writes, Tzara has performances, you’ll not meet Jean Paul and Simone strolling, New Wave cinema is past , however there is still something profoundly impressive in some parts of Latin Quarter, something about its artistic and intellectual resonance.

One of such spots is Champollion street, the arty cinema street in 5th arrondisement. It is a charming and quiet street with 3 important cinemas and one cool coffee shop (Le Reflet).

The oldest cinema, at the corner of the street – Le Campo Espace Tati – is from 1938 (not long ago it was given the historic monument status) and here you can watch classics, specially New Wave ones. There are often all night’s thematic projections or projections dedicated to certain directors. Chabrol called this place his second university.

Reflet Médicis is the middle cinema; it was a theatre in the past, to what fact you’ll be reminded by the painting in the room 3. Here you can watch arty films, specially those of European production. The last in a row is the Filmothèque: the title discovers the program.

Film festivals, different movie cycles, sometimes even the public lectures add to the feeling that if you are a film fan you are in the right place.