Cinema

Visiting this cinema is almost a tradition for me. It is actually the first one I’ve ever been to in my life – Lion King was on and I just turned 5 years old At that time there were no multi/megaplex cinemas in the Czech Republic and Svetozor was just an “ordinary cinema”. Since then it started to be more focused on art films (or let’s say less mainstream films) as well as festivals. Two screening halls are in service.

Every week there is a premiere of an art film, Mondays are reserved for screening of documentary films and Wednesday nights for minor and experimental genres such as video art, net art, animation, commercials, video-clips, short films etc. Also there are special screenings for seniors, children and the deaf.

Svetozor is not only a cinema. There is a bar underground (open of course NOT only for people with cinema tickets) used as a photographic gallery at the same time. Free WI-FI Internet is available as well. If you’re thinking of going, check the program.

Once upon a time, Roxy was one of the very few options in Prague for a decent evening, when I felt like some dancing. But these times are over and Roxy still lives its standards.

Opened in 1992 under the name of Roxy, and reopened in 2002, and just recently in 2010 and 2011 due to reconstruction and some bureaucratic mismatches afterwards, this place become alive again.

In 20′s and 30′s it was a shining pearl at the Old Town, full of people in its restaurant, cinema and a ballroom. After being damaged by the enormous floods (2002), the Experimental Area Roxy/NoD now offers a full variety of concerts, dance music, gallery presentations, internet café with wi-fi connection, theatre, films, performances and workshops. For some of their best gigs have a look yourself.

If you are into clubbing and are in Prague for couple days, Roxy is definitely the place to go – next to Radost FX (see the Radost FX article). Have a look at the programme to see if anything interests you. They have regular Free Mondays and Midweek Lounge, where entry is free.

Oh, and do not forget about NoD upstairs (check the NoD article)!

Aero, floating on air, relaxing, feeling good among people who seems close to you…and I believe you will also come up with a different description once you have been to Kino Aero.

Kino Aero is one of the few specialized in art films, various festivals and special projections. The cinema itself was built in the years 1930 – 33 in the courtyard of residential house in a purely functionalist style. The last renovation affected the bar that turned from cosy and old-school to pure black, white and green space so corresponding with the function of the bar and giving free space to often held exhibition of film posters.

I have loved visiting Kino Aero since I was small. Although the journey from the other part of the city took hour and a half and I was able to recall the part of Prague we passed much later in my life, I never felt Kino Aero was too far. And when I lived in Prague? I could not resist any more. I believe you will love the bar, love Bernard beer, enjoy the carefully chosen films and welcoming atmosphere.

Interesting fact – as an extended activity of Kino Aero and Kino Svetozor (check the Kino Svetozor article) distribution company Aerofilms was born, focused on valuable feature films and documents.

Why not to end your Zizkov tour with a quality film?

Club cinema Evald represents complete characteristics of a small, classy cinema – is in the very center, has stable program with three movies running each day, mixes extract from mainstream, well at least the movies suitable for small screen, and includes also art movies and tiny festivals The last festival I visited was Days of Norwegian film I think.

Generous front door invites you to more private underground, cozy with the carpets and classy with the cloak room, which is especially handy during winter. Now in summer you will be awarded by cool underground environment.

No drinks offered in this cinema, but you can get started before the film in the local restaurant, which is just at the end of the same corridor, and of course also discuss there later on the impact of the film you have just seen. I really like this cinema, there are not many of this type in Prague these days.

One of the few “classic” cinemas in the city – Bio Oko is here to make your eyes shine in the dark. While most of the traditional cinemas closed down during last years, Bio Oko was reborn from traditional to cult four years ago.

Located in a friendly neighbourhood of Prague 7 in a significant 1930′s functionalist block of houses, Bio Oko welcomes you with opened bar which might not let you enjoy any movie at all.

They have a large variety of drinks, few snacks and bartenders with the right amount of intellectual shyness. Bio Oko offers many special projection and events, newest films along with alternative pieces or classics. As a foreign visitor you will appreciate English friendly films with English subtitles. Authentic interior is combined with modern (bar) and weird (assorted seats in the hall). Simply said this is art cinema with everything it should have.

I considered for many moments if I should recommend you my favourite seat, but, luckily all of us have different taste and I will have a place to sit by my next visit! Balcony, first row, shoes off and refreshing drink on the railing…. as my friend would say – feel like home. And that is what Bio Oko will make you feel maybe even after the first visit.