Cinema

In Switzerland it’s common practice to have an intermission in the middle of the film (so you can buy some ice cream or go to the loo). This interruption of the story line annoys many cinema goers. Additionally, more and more cinemas in Zurich belong to bigger chains, so they all show the same mainstream movies and look identical. But fortunately there are several art houses as well as Uto-Kino.

This cinema is a relic from the past, full of charm and atmosphere. Hardly anything has been renovated over the last few years (or maybe decades?). The 280 seats are all covered in burgundy velvet and they’re not numbered, so it’s the first come, first served practice.

Most of the films on the programme are indie films and hits from years gone by – in the original languages with German and French subtitles. The cinema doesn’t have its own website but you’ll find its programme online or in one of the local newspapers.

If you’re a film lover and thinking about watching a motion picture in Zurich, you should do that at Xenix. It is one of the most reputable indie-cinemas in our country with a wild history and surrounded by many myths.

The place had its beginnings in the eighties, the time of political and social unrest in Zurich. A group of people built up a cinema in the self-governed youth center which was the headquarters of the resistance against the establishment. The center closed, the cinema had to move, and not for the last time.

Over the years the Xenix was set up in many different places until it, thirty years ago, found a place it could stay for good: the Barracks on the Kanzlei area. Over the years it grew up and became more and more professional.

And that’s where it still is. In the building there’s also a Bar to have a drink before, after or during the film. If you’re early, you can get one of the sofa seats in the front (comfy as hell!). So if you’re going with your significant other, make sure you be there in time.

The Xenix has topical program-months; about a specific theme, director, era or genre. Normally, there are several showings a day, with many different films – just don’t expect to see “It’s a Good Day to Die Hard” or some other blockbuster here.