Ok, wait for it, wait for it, wait for it….NOW, a loud action scene and I can sneakily crack open the tin of beer I snuck into the cinema – the opening hiss covered by the crash and boom on the big screen. Surreptitious slurps are taken at loud intervals to avoid frowns from my fellow film goers. Next on the menu is some sneaky sushi, the tray hidden on my lap in the dark, a much better bargain than the overpriced oversalted cinema popcorn.
Yes, I’m one of those people who like to make the most of their cinematic experience, favouring contraband cuisine over the staple movie theatre fare.
That’s why I was so excited to head along to the new BYO cinema at L3 Central.
The pop-up cinema located at Chippendale’s new shopping centre actively encourages you to bring your own, food, drink, deck chairs, whatever you need to make your viewing experience more pleasurable. Walking into the space on Tuesday night, I was greeted by groups of movie-goers pouring wine into mason jars, their takeaway treats sprawled over the tables provided.
Others were flopped down on bean bags, and some even used inflatable dolphins to lean on – it’s a cinematic experience that makes you feel like you are at your mate’s house for a movie night….and there’s even free popcorn.
The people behind this new venture are Brand X – a not for profit arts organisation run by artists making space for artists. They have taken over the top level of Central shopping centre to create 1,000sqms of space for community cultural use which includes a gallery space, workspace for visual artists, and events and rehearsal space for performing artists.
Currently they are using the space to show award winning documentaries from around the globe exploring ideas of modern life, the urban landscape and the human condition.
What’s Coming Up at BYO Cinema
Tue Jul 1, 7pm
We the Tiny House People
What’s it like to live in a really tiny house?
Tue Jul 8, 7pm
Cutie and the Boxer
A portrait of the marriage between a Japanese “boxing painter” and his artist wife.
Tue Jul 15, 7pm
How to Start Your Own Country
This doco visits six micro-nations to explore the legality and practicality of starting your own nation
