Cinema

Ciak Cinema is a small venue in the north part of Rome; it used to be just one room where you can go see the movie. But eventually they expanded and added another tiny room. I do not mind the tiny room, but if you are claustrophobic I do not recommend it; I like it because it is cozy and in an odd way it reminds me of how an airplane is built -the way the seats are positioned.

I like going here because it is close to home and I do not need to fight the traffic in center, plus I can walk or take a bus which has the stop right in front of it. Both rooms do not get overly crowded, which is nice and if you go on Wednesday during their matinee you only pay 4.50 Euros, and it is even less crowded.

Spending holidays in Rome makes one think of, doh, Roman Holiday, the film starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck that immortalized their image riding on a Vespa through the Eternal City. I even have one small poster of that scene in my office.

It wasn’t easy to get hold of it, but I found in the Libreria del Cinema, (roughly translated as Films’ Bookstore), a small space with bookshelves, DVDs and a restaurant-bar in the Trastevere neighborhood.

Almost anything about cinema can be found in here. Whether it is a poster like mine, or a rare director’s cut of an old film, books or original scripts you’re looking for, you will surely in the meantime find something interesting to look at or to take home. The guys in charge know a lot about the topic, so if you are in doubt, just ask them.

The place opens after lunch. In the wifi area of the bar it is possible to spend hours and hours reading or looking at their extended catalogue. Keep in mind that here you will not find about the latest chick flick or the romantic comedy of the year. Their idea of cinema is more about the artistic side, the work of extraordinary directors, or cult movies. They, however, do not offer popcorn. Enjoy!