Beloved Movie Spot Cinema'76 Film Society Is Closing Its Doors This October

(SPOT.ph) Cinema '76 Film Society is officially closing its doors this October. The microcinema announced the sad news on its official social media pages, stating, "It's time for our last shot."

"After nearly 11 years of shared laughs, quiet tears, late-night discussions, and celebrating the absolute best of independent and mainstream cinema, Cinema '76 Film Society and Cinema '76 Cafe will officially close their doors on Sunday, October 25, 2026," their post reads.

Naturally, the news hit loyal followers hard, with many calling it "sad news" for the already struggling film industry.

Many know Cinema ’76 as an alternative spot for catching the latest films from the Philippines and abroad. Its mini-theaters may have been dwarfed by the grander mainstream cinemas, but they offered something those spots couldn’t: a haven for film enthusiasts to find community, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow cinephiles through intimate screenings and post-film talkbacks.

ICYDK, Cinema '76 was brought to us by the same folks behind TBA Studios, the producer of crowd-favorite Pinoy films like I'm Drunk, I Love You, Heneral Luna, Goyo, and most recently, Quezon. Originally opened in February 2016, Cinema '76 was initially conceived "to create an avenue for studios to screen their films after they get a theatrical release," said one of its co-founders and head of TBA Productions, Vincent Nebrida, to SPOT.ph in a 2016 interview.

It gets its name from 1976, considered the last Golden Year of Philippine Cinema—the year when classic Filipino films like Lino Brocka's Insiang, Mike de Leon's Itim, Eddie Romero's Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon, and Lupita A. Concio's Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo hit theaters all over the country. And while its name is a tribute to our movie scene's glory days, Cinema '76 was known for showing all of Philippine Cinema, from classics and mainstream favorites to local and international lindie gems.

This isn’t the first time the microcinema has closed its doors. In 2018, it announced a brief closure as it moved from its original location in San Juan to Anonas, Quezon City. After surviving the pandemic, it relocated once again to its current home in 2022. This time, however, the closure may be permanent, as they officially called it "a wrap" in their statement.

But all is not lost. You can still head over for one last hurrah, as Cinema '76—both the microcinema and cafe—will remain open until October 25, encouraging patrons to come and make their last few weeks unforgettable. The spot is open Tuesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. onward, so head over for one last movie date and reminisce while you still can.

For more information, visit Cinema 76 Film Society's Instagram and Facebook pages.

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