Artist and Kathmandu Gallery founder, Manit Sriwanichpoom, and film director, Ing Kanjanavanit, may just be the indie scene’s newest sweethearts. The duo has just put up Cinema Oasis, a brand-new movie theater-cum-art gallery on Soi Sukhumvit 43 that aims to support and promote local independent filmmakers, using their own funds.
For years, Manit and Ing have lamented how difficult it’s been for independent filmmakers to have to deal with mass-market theaters just to get their movies shown. Most theaters require fees (“compulsory” contributions for the digital cinema projection) and 50-50 profit-sharing system. In return, filmmakers only get a few showing days. It doesn’t help either that the number of people coming to the theaters for indie films seems to have dropped.
“If I had my own theater, I can control all the screening conditions: exposure, length of showing, ticket price, as well as special programs such as talks, discussions or seminars after the screening,” Manit shares.
Cinema Oasis is set in an impressive, six-story building designed by Somchai Jongsaeng of award-winning studio Deca Atelier (whose portfolio includes SO Sofitel hotel). The 48-seat movie theater take up the first and second floors, while the third floor serves as a gallery and an events rental space.
Construction work has been completed, but don’t hold your breath just yet. Cinema Oasis is still running tests and will only be open to the public in March 2018.
Nartee Lertnaikiat/Time Out Bangkok
Opening in March 2018. Sukhumvit 43. 097 929 5366. Open Wed-Sun 12:00-22:00