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FILM

Six gems from Sweden’s independent cinema scene

The Oscars take place this weekend, so where are the coolest spots in Sweden to watch the world's best movies?

Six gems from Sweden's independent cinema scene
The Bio Rio cinema in Stockholm. Photo: Bio Rio
 
Taking over an old school, the Hagabion cinema in Sweden's second city specialises in showcasing indie movies from around the world as well as documentaries and short stories. Its restaurant, Hagabion Cafe is also one of the most popular vegetarian food spots in the city, while Bar Kino, on the same site, regularly draws a cultured crowd. There are three theatres in the complex.
 
Address: Linnégatan 21, Gothenburg
Tickets: Prices start at 80 kronor for adults, 60 kronor for students, children and pensioners
 

Photo: Göteborg tourism 

 
 
On the west coast of Södermalm island, recently voted Europe's hippest neighbourhood by Vogue magazine, Bio Rio is a small cinema with a big reputation. With just one main screen, it selects its movies carefully, with a frequent focus on films that promote gender equality or offer unique perspectives on global issues. Don't miss the Sunday morning breakfast club and look out for international festivals, many of which include foreign movies with English subtitles. There's a newly refurbished diner-style restaurant on site too and a sister bar with a mini-screen called Salong 4 just down the road.
 
Address: Hornstulls strand 3, Metro stop Hornstull
Tickets: Prices start at 110 kronor for adults, 90 kronor for students and pensioners, 60-80 kronor for children
 

Bio Rio's restaurant. Photo J.Wulff/Bio Rio

 
 
A hit with international students, Lund's low-key independent cinema is situated opposite the city's historic cathedral and dates back to 1936. After undergoing a major renovation in 2000, it now hosts two screens. There's no restaurant or bar here, but there are plenty of relaxed spots nearby and space for cycle-lovers to store bikes outside too.
 
Tickets: Prices start at 105 kronor for adults, 80 kronor for students and pensioners, 70 kronor for under 20s
Website: www.kino.nu
 

Photo: europacinema.org
 
 
In the heart of the Swedish capital's glitzy Östermalm district, this friendly cinema offers a welcome break from the area's city-slicker bars and expensive restaurants. Zita regularly hosts screenings as part of the annual Stockholm Film Festival, one of the biggest art events in the capital and runs its own classes for film buffs. Cross the foyer to grab dinner or a snack at Babs Kök och Bar after you've had your culture fix, or enjoy a drink from their carefully-selected wine list.
 
Address: Birger Jarlsgatan 37. Metro stop Hötorget or Östermalmstorg
Tickets: Prices start at 100 kronor for adults, 80 kronor for students and pensioners, 50-70 kronor for children
Website: http://zita.se
 

Photo: Holger Ellgaard/Creative Commons
 
 
This recently relocated cinema in Umeå, a European Capital of Culture in 2014, can now be found inside the city's iconic new cultural centre, Vaven, designed by award-winning Swedish architecture firm White Akitekter and Norwegian company Snöhetta. There's a 100-seater theatre as well as a smaller more intimate venue with just 35 places. In the same building you can also nestle down with a good book at Umeå city library, visit the Museum of Women's History or simply admire the views of the river Ume running alongside it.
 
Address: Västra Strandgatan 8A, Umeå
Tickets: Prices start at 95 kronor for adults, 80 kronor for students, children and pensioners
 

Photo: Sara Ingman/Image Bank Sweden

 
 
Midsommarkransen has quickly earned a reputation as the place that Hornstull hipsters move to once they start to buy their own properties or have kids and there is plenty of culture available for yummy mummies or latte-sipping pappas in this green suburb, south west of the city. Biocafe Tellus hosts literature nights and gigs as well as showcasing international movies. It is home to a great-value cosy coffee shop selling a range of cakes and sandwiches.
 
Address: Vattenledningsvägen 46, Hägersten. Metro stop Midsommarkransen
Tickets: Prices start at 65 kronor
 

Photo: Biocafe Tellus

FILM

French films with English subtitles to watch in November

As days get shorter and temperatures drop, November is a great month to enjoy a warm and comforting moment at the cinema. Here’s a round up of the French movies with English subtitles to see in Paris this month.

Cinema in France
Photo: Loic Venance/AFP

The cinema group Lost in Frenchlation runs regular screenings of French films in the capital, with English subtitles to help non-native speakers follow the action. The club kicks off every screening with drinks at the cinema’s bar one hour before the movie, so it’s also a fun way to meet people if you’re new to Paris.

These are the events they have coming up in November.

Friday, November 5th

Boîte Noire – What happened on board the Dubai-Paris flight before it crashed in the Alps? In this thriller Matthieu, a young and talented black box analyst played by Pierre Niney (star of Yves Saint-Laurent among other movies) is determined to solve the reason behind this deadly crash, no matter the costs. 

The screening will take place at the Club de l’étoile cinema at 8pm. But you can arrive early for drinks at the bar from 7pm. 

Tickets are €10 full price, €8 for students and all other concessions, and can be reserved here.

Sunday, November 14th

Tralala – In the mood for music? This new delightful French musical brings you into the life of Tralala (played by Mathieu Amalric), a 48 years old, homeless and worn-out street singer, who one day gets mistaken for someone else. Tralala sees an opportunity to get a better life by taking on a new personality. He now has a brother, nephews, ex-girlfriends, and maybe even a daughter. But where is the lie? Where is the truth? And who is he, deep down?

The night will start with drinks from 6pm followed by the screening at 7pm at the Luminor Hôtel de Ville cinema. There is also a two-hour cinema-themed walk where you’ll be taken on a “musicals movie tour” in the heart of Paris, which begins at 4pm.

Tickets cost €10, or €8 for students and concessions, and can be found here. Tickets for the walking tour cost €20 and must be reserved online here.

Thursday, November 18th

Illusions Perdues – Based on the great novel series by Honoré de Balzac between 1837 and 1843, this historical drama captures the writer Lucien’s life and dilemmas who dreams about a great career of writing and moves to the city to get a job at a newspaper. As a young poet entering the field of journalism, he is constantly challenged by his desire to write dramatic and eye-catching stories for the press. But are they all true?

The evening will kick off with drinks at L’Entrepôt cinema bar at 7pm, followed by the movie screening at 8pm. Tickets are available online here, and cost €8.50 full price; €7 for students and all other concessions.

Sunday, November 21st

Eiffel – Having just finished working on the Statue of Liberty, Gustave Eiffel (played by Romain Duris) is tasked with creating a spectacular monument for the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris. It’s ultimately his love story with Adrienne Bourgès (Emma Mackey) that will inspire him to come up with the idea for the Eiffel Tower.

After a first screening last month, Lost in Frenchlation is organising a new one at the Luminor Hôtel de Ville cinema, with pre-screening drinks at the cinema bar. 

Tickets cost €10, or €8 for students and concessions, and can be found here

Thursday, November 25th

Les Héroïques – Michel is a former junkie and overgrown child who only dreams of motorbikes and of hanging out with his 17-year-old son Léo and his friends. But at 50 years old, he now has to handle the baby he just had with his ex, and try not to make the same mistakes he has done in the past. 

The film will be followed by a Q&A with the director Maxime Roy who will discuss his very first feature. 

Tickets cost €10, or €8 for students and concessions, and can be found here.

Full details of Lost in Frenchlation’s events can be found on their website or Facebook page. In France, a health pass is required in order to go to the cinema.

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