Image by Dokukino Croatia

After the invasion of big corporations into the cinema industry Croatian old cinemas followed the route of I believe many old cinemas, at least in European tradition, that have reinvented themselves as specialized in certain “alternative” genres. One such story is the famous Kino Europa (check the Kino Europa article) in Zagreb.

Another one, not as famous but nonetheless equally interesting, is the creation of Dokukino Croatia – a cinema with only 37 seats. Ah, but beware dear film-lover, these seats are not your ordinary movie seats, rather comfortable sofas from which you can enjoy the best of the best documentaries.

Yes, Dokukino, as its name tells us specializes in documentary films and doesn’t screen any other genre, making it unique in itself. The cinema was reopened in 2009 by the initiative of Restart association and Croatia film company. Its purpose is to become the focal point of documentary-lovers’ gatherings, which is why the cinema organizes not only movie projections (both recent production and archive footage) but also talks with directors and various film workshops.

And yes, it does encompass a café in itself, where you can chill and talk movies. And documentaries.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Dokukino Croatia | Art & culture, Cinemas | Entry Kn 20
Katančićeva 3 | Lower town | +38514813711
11:00 – 22:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Karla Loncar

Although Cinema Grič has existed as long as I can remember, it opened its fully redecorated interior in 2009. The front area is consisted of a colourful bar that has two floors and a small club situated in the basement.

The club is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The entrance is free!

The whole three front floors are also used as a showroom for different art exhibitions and a meeting place for various book promotions and festivals. In the back area you can find a small but cozy projection room, where you can watch a film, depending on the current program.

The whole place is very appealing, full of color and charm. During evenings it is very crowded and dynamic which makes it an ideal place to start a promising weekend night out. Although this place looks like it has it all, the Club works until 02:00 so you are advised to continue your socializing and dancing in some other city center club.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Klub Kino Grič | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Music | Ticket price Kn 20.00
Jurišićeva 6 | Lower town | +38514834900
Cinema open Tue – Fri | Bar 07:30 – 23:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Karla Lončar

Kino Europa is the most beautiful cinema in Zagreb, made in post-secession classicistic style in 1924. It is situated in Varšavska street – street that has recently been a scene of a civil initiative and protests due to city government’s nontransparent politics related to an engineering project placed just a few meters away from the cinema.

Actually, from its beginnings, this cinema has been a bystander of political turmoil. It survived several political regimes, changed its initial name from „Balkan kino” to more eligible „Kino Europa” during the War of Independence, but in spite of all those changes, it has kept its doors open for every film buff in the city.

In 2008, after the civil initiative for preservation of this opulent cinema, city government entrusted its management to Zagreb Film Festival organization. Thanks to them, the citizens of Zagreb have one more place where they’re able to watch latest independent films, national and international festival laureates, and all those movies they won’t easily find in some Movieplex. Kino Europa has also become a national movie center that is a host to many film festivals and art related promotions as well.

Besides, it’s a place in which you can drink excellent coffee, wine and grappa at the Kino Europa café, use free wireless internet connection, check some new art-exhibition and dance on club nights every Friday and Saturday. All of that combined definitely makes Kino Europa Zagreb’s perfect hotspot.

For the exact movie program and event information, click here.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kino Europa | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Coffee & tea, Music, Festivals & events
Varšavska 3 | Lower town | +38514872888
Mon – Wed 09:00 – 01:00, Thu – Sat 09:00 – 02:00, Sun 11:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb

Image by Nikolina Demark

A big problem in Croatia is that when you want to see a movie classic, something other than American production or older than… well, 2008; most often you have nowhere to go. Even if you try renting a dvd, you’ll have trouble finding something that doesn’t have ‘Hollywood’ written all over it. Thankfully, there are a few cinemas in Zagreb where quality is more important than glamour; the most alternative one being the Tuškanac cinema.

There’s nothing posh or capitalistic about this little gem. They don’t sell popcorn and there are no glossy posters, but they’ll give you a chance to watch the best that European cinematography has to offer. As can the Asian, American… You got it – good movies from all around the world. There are famous names like Truffaut and Bertolucci, but also less known producers from countries ranging from Ukraine to Peru. You name the state – at one point you’ll get to see a weekly programme including a dozen of its great movies.

One more thing – they have the cheapest tickets in town. If you’re fed up with popular blockbusters, the best thing you could do is to visit Tuškanac cinema and treat yourself to a good piece of art film.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tuškanac cinema | Cinemas | Movie ticket Kn 10.00
Tuškanac 1 | Upper town | +38514834039
18:00 – 22:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zagreb