Kinoteka is a popular name for the Film Archives of former Yugoslavia. Founded back in 1949, it has grown into one of the most important film archives of Europe.
From their immense collection, the good men of Kinoteka choose every day several movies for screening. The program is diverse and for all of us who aren’t movie fanatics a good deal of what is showing doesn’t mean a lot. But that’s exactly the point here and the reason why I like it! If you don’t mind old movies and have nothing against broadening your horizons, take a pick, buy a ticket and lean back in the dark of their theatre hall. You might be seeing an old silent movie, Soviet avant-garde, German expressionism, a classic western, often a forgotten masterpiece. Entering Kinoteka’s hall feels like embarking on a time capsule that will often take you on an unforeseen trip.
Currently, Kinoteka has two venues: the legendary old theatre hall in Kosovska 11 and the brand new one in the shiny renovated building in Uzun Mirkova. In January 2020 the latter also got a small Film Museum (free entry!) introducing you to its intriguing beginnings in Belgrade in 1896, the most important trends and its leading actors. The most prized “relic” is Chaplin’s walking stick.
The randomness of quality movies from different eras and places guarantees that Kinoteka is never a bore.
If current mainstream theatres’ program isn’t your cup of tea, Kinoteka is just the spot for you.
