Unfortunately, Sofia is heavily influenced by the wave of malls and huge multiplexes, which usually only offer similar genres of currently famous films. As a passionate cinema fan I am always on the hunt for quieter, smaller movie theaters, where I can at least once in a while enjoy European, Asian or art-house films.

I got lucky after the opening of G8 – a small place with three screens, established by the founders of Euro Cinema. Its name comes from its address – 8 Gladstone Str., quite a central location. The place combines good films with a nice glass roof café where you can benefit from the fast Internet. There is also a well-equipped hall that can be rented for workshops, conferences, etc. Working here is quite comfortable, as it is pretty much calm during the day, excluding the occasional spectators coming to buy tickets and waiting for their film to begin.

When it comes to watching a movie, the quality of the screens here is good, but not top-notch. However, that is compensated by G8’s greatest advantage – just like in Euro Cinema, here you sometimes feel as though you are in a private screening, as there might not be more than 2-3 other viewers in the small cozy halls. In summer they organize outdoor screenings with a complementary drink in their small yard. I definitely recommend coming here, but check the program first to make sure the film is in a language you understand, as there are usually no English subtitles.