For quite a number of years now, Ireland has had the highest annual number of cinema admissions per capita in the EU. Eglé Zinkuté points out some places you can get your cinematic kicks in the city this year.
Cineworld Cinemas: As the biggest multiplex in the city, this is where you have the widest choice of films to watch, due to the large number of screens. Cineworld is very much an establishment whereby what you see is what you get – a cinema of international standard, the promise of comfortable seating and all the mainstream movies that ever come out. Ticket prices here are relatively expensive. However, if you plan to see a lot of films during the year, you can avail of the annual unlimited pass, which works out at around twenty quid per month and can be a real saving, depending on the user.
The Savoy: Second only to Cineworld in terms of size and number of screens, this spot arguably has an extra measure of the-olden-days-of-cinema atmosphere. From the plush scarlet curtains cascading down to veil the screen pre-show, to the more formal uniforms of the staff, the ambiance is conducive to rendering a visit here an exciting outing. In the place of an unlimited pass, the Savoy offers family deals, again all very cosy. The price bracket matches that of Cineworld’s quite closely, however, the student rates are not quite as reasonable as those of its Parnell Street competitor.
The IFI takes us to the south side of Dublin, and perhaps that’s why it’s often seen exclusively as a place for film buffs and snobs. This is not the case, however. The IFI may be the best place in Dublin to get your art house kicks but there’s generally a fairly laid-back vibe here. The additional attraction is the relative cheapness of cinema here, particularly if you join as a member for fifteen quid a year. The attached bar also serves as a nice spot for lunch or dinner.
Filmbase is the national resource centre for filmmakers and has played a steady part in Irish cinema for the pat two decades. It provides a variety of services, from equipment rental to hosting talks by various figures in the national film world, to holding courses in scriptwriting, lighting, sound, screen acting, directing, editing and much, much more. Even an actor looking for work can drop in and try their luck. At €50 a year for membership, you can avail of an enviable local resource and engage actively in the Irish film industry, while having a lot of fun in the process.
Laser is the equivalent of time-travel in home entertainment. Getting a film from any decade, and from any region in the world is far less trouble here than anywhere else save perhaps amazon.com. Renting here is cheap and worthwhile for a number of reasons. Thanks to this place, classic films and world cinema can continue to have a place in our homes.
Film also happens at Trinity College. Yes, part of being a student or an associate in the university is looking out for film screenings with various societies and groups. These are usually free or cost a small membership. In this city, film-related discussions take place all the time; you just need to follow your inner cineaste to find your way.
