KINO CLIMATES INTERLOCKED - The World of Alternative Cinemas

Offkino Bielefeld (Germany) in conversation with La Clef revival (Paris, France)The Offkino was founded in September 2010 in Bielefeld, Germany and is run by the grass-root and democratic association "Freies Kino Bielefeld e.V.”. The group running the cinema consists currently of 11 people who all work voluntarily and who share a great passion for film and cinema. Films are screened every Friday evening, with a focus on analogue film projection. In their editorial line the group is cooperating with other initiatives and institutions. They usually invite the filmmakers and other guests, if possible. In addition, the Offkino has special events on a regular basis, such as for example cinema concerts and literature reading readings. Every month is dedicated to a specific topic around which the films are select. Among other things, they screen a lot of repertoire, independent films, and current films which which are not shown in the cinemas of our city. The Offkino is very active in their local network, and in regular contact with the other cinemas in Bielefeld to secure a wide and attractive overall programming. The initiative is financed via entry fees, donations, funding and awards. The Offkino has been part of Kino Climates for many years and have been awarded with the "Kinoprogrammpreis NRW"/Prize of the film foundation "Filmstiftung NRW" for their special programme for several years now.

La Clef revival (Paris, France) in conversation with Star and Shadow Cinema (Newcastle, UK) La Clef is a historical cinema located in the heart of Paris and born in the 70s. For almost 50 years, the cinema has attracted audiences with its eclectic program, affordable prices, debates with directors and festivals. It was then sold to the Works Council a French bank which decided to sell it. On September 20, 2019, Home Cinema Association decided to illegally occupy La Clef. The demand is simple: "We commit ourselves to no longer occupy the place as soon as we have a written and oral confirmation, and in front of journalistic and legal witnesses, that this cinema will remain an independent Parisian cinema, and an associative cinema above all else." Since the first day of occupation, a different film is screened every evening at a free price. There is no hierarchy of genre, duration or means of production. Thanks to all its support, Home Cinema decides to stay until the appeal trial, on September 21th, 2020. 

Star and Shadow Cinema Co-op (Newcastle, UK) in conversation with B-Movie Cinema (Hamburg, Germany) Star and Shadow Cinema is a volunteer-run DIY space for Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, in the UK. It is set up as an open-to-join co-operative and housed in a building it owns. The Venue operates a 'safe space' policy made, and is made up of people from differing cultural perspectives (artist-run spaces, radical left politics, direct action, Free/Libre Open Source culture, organising against the Gleneagles G8, LGBTQ*, DIY music/film). The editorial line is dedicated to culture coming from and/or programmed by the grass roots - particularly cinema and music. The Star and Shadow initiative evolved from screenings, events and debates at the Side Cinema, Waygood Gallery, and Bookville from 2001-2005 for which sources of inspiration came from European underground film and squat culture, situationism, and a vision of culture protected from state and market cultivated hierarchies of power and commercialization.Emphasising the collective experience that makes cinema special, Star and Shadow exists as a space for a dialogic approach to culture through critical, active spectatorship: watching, listening, thinking and talking collectively and then possibly programming something yourself.

B-Movie Cinema (Hamburg) in conversation with Filmhuis Cavia (Amsterdam)Since more than 30 years the B-Movie Cinema presents an innovative and unique programme in the St. Pauli district in Hamburg, Germany. Starting out as a political initiative in 1987 it developed into an important cultural association linked to many initiatives, film festivals and artist groups today. It is one of the few cinemas in the city still able to show analogue films. In their editorial line the B-Movie team is focusing on avantgarde, underground and independent, feminist and LGBTQI* cinema as well as on unconventional works by young filmmakers from around the world. Known and appreciated for its special atmosphere and cosy foyer, the volunteer run venue is an open space for everyone.

Filmhuis Cavia (Amsterdam) in conversation with the Academic Film Center of SCCC (Belgrade)Filmhuis Cavia is a unique and special place in the heart of one of the most cinephile cities of the world, Amsterdam. The non-profit venue was founded in 1983 by members of the squatters movement and still sticks to the do-it-yourself mentality of the movement, being collectively and volunteer run. With only 40 seats, the Cavia is one of the smallest cinemas in the Netherlands, and the smallest in Amsterdam. Many now famous film festivals started out in the Filmhuis Cavia. Their current programme presents experimental films, avantgarde film history, LGBTQI Films, Asian or South American films, all preferably screened on 16mm and 35mm. The Cavia is home to many different communities and people of all age and gender.