The Best Arthouse Cinemas in Mexico City
Arthouse cinemas, also known as repertory cinemas outside of the US, are all the rage right now. Differing from a traditional theatre in their showing of classic, older films or limited release indie masterpieces (or flops, as the case may be), arthouse cinemas are attracting attention for their offbeat, quirky appeal and generally affordable prices. Here are some of Mexico City’s best.
Filmoteca de la UNAM
Cinema, Movie Theater
UNAM’s Filmoteca in Mexico City has, at its core, the aim to rescue, restore, preserve and share the cinematographic heritage of UNAM (Universidad Autónoma de México) through regular film screenings and festivals. It achieves this marvellously through screening plenty of the 40,000+ films found in its archive at two cinemas, both of which are located in the Centro Cultural Universitario. If you’re interested in checking out what films they’ll be showing, you can consult their schedule online.
Cineteca Nacional
Cinema, Movie Theater, Theater
Cine Tonalá
Cinema, Music Venue
Cine Tonalá, while having ‘cine’ right there in the name, is actually a multi-purpose venue that is known for hosting plays and concerts, as well as screening underrated flicks. As if that weren’t enough, there’s also an on-site bar and restaurant. While it may seem that Cine Tonalá is something of a Jack of all trades, master of none, it balances its multiple roles incredibly well, and does so economically too. If you’re thinking of stopping by regularly, it’s worth investing in their membership card.
La Casa del Cine MX
Movie Theater
Hotel Condesa Cineclub
Cinema, Movie Theater, Theater
Cinenauta
Cinema, Movie Theater
Located in the reliably artsy Coyoacán neighbourhood is the Cinenauta arthouse cinema. This absolutely tiny place (there is only enough space for 36 cinema-goers at any one time) is known for its annual screenings of international cinematographic efforts, as well as the year-round dedication to showing primarily Mexican movies. Only launched in 2014, Cinenauta is still going strong, and each film costs less than MXN$50, making it a steal in a normally pricey neighbourhood.
Casa del Lago
Building, Park
Cinemex Casa de Arte
Cinema, Movie Theater