The Best Independent Cinemas In So Paulo

In the days of multiplex cinema chains, it is refreshing to see cities where independent movie houses still hold their ground and thrive. One such city is São Paulo, where movie buffs looking for alternatives to Hollywood blockbusters have several excellent independent cinemas to choose from. Here is our guide to the best independent movie theaters in the city.

SPCine Olido

Cinema, Movie Theater

Almost fifty years after its inauguration, this cinema house has kept the characteristics which made it one of the most popular movie theaters of the 1950s in São Paulo: red armchairs, an entrance hall with marble staircases, brass handrails and mirrored walls. With sessions from Tuesday through Sunday, the playhouse shows a variety of films, including shorts, documentaries and movies. SPCine Olido, however, continues to highlight independent movies, especially Brazilian productions.

CineSala

Movie Theater, Theater

CineSala, located in the Pinheiros neighborhood is one of the few remaining independent street cinemas around in São Paulo. This movie theater not only has regular seats, but also single and double sofas, which make movie-goers feel like they are at home! Expect cult movies and independent productions. All movies are shown in their original language with Portuguese subtitles.

Caixa Belas Artes

Cinema, Movie Theater, Theater

Movie seats at the Belas Arte Drive-In, São Paulo

Known for its alternative programming, this film house is one of the most important intellectual and artistic meeting places in the city. Belas Artes has two theaters and in 2011 during a financial crisis, the cinema announced it was closing its doors. Four years later, after avid moviegoers staged the largest mobilization ever held in Brazil in defense of a cultural heritage site, the space was re-opened with the help of the city and a major federal bank. One of the movie theaters – the drive-in – has seats like those found in old automobiles, and really gives the authentic feel of a drive-in.

Reserva Cultural

The Reserva Cultural is one of the most popular cinemas in São Paulo showing independent films and foreign productions outside the Hollywood circuit. The movie theater, located in the middle of São Paulo’s most famous avenue, Avenida Paulista, has four theaters equipped to accept both old 35mm film and digital equivalents. The cinema’s atmosphere is charming and offers guests the option to buy art or film-related books before or after the showing. The small restaurant next to the cinema’s waiting room serves coffee and pastries.

Reserva Cultural, Avenida Paulista, 900, Bela Vista, São Paulo, Brazil +55 11 3287 3529

Centro Cultural de São Paulo

With the objective of having a place to showcase productions that seldom find their way onto the regular film circuit, or that have spent very little time in movie theaters, the Centro Cultural de São Paulo holds movie sessions at reduced prices. The aim of this venue is to give space to films which have been underestimated or overlooked by film critics. The playhouse sometimes shows several movies from a single director or actor.

Centro Cultural de São Paulo, Rua Vergueiro, 1000 – Paraíso, São Paulo

SPCine Centro Cultural São Paulo © Jotape

Cinemateca Brasileira

Building

The films shown at the Cinemateca are usually those seen on the alternative circuit, but many people come to this theater for the building rather than the movies. The venue used to be a slaughterhouse in the 19th century and has a beautiful outside area, great for picnics. The building also holds one of the most important audiovisual libraries of South America. The two movie theaters show restored classics and films outside the commercial circuit, very popular with film buffs, interested in cinema aesthetics and innovation.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.