4 Unique Movie-Going Experiences in Ankara That Will Get You Up From Your Couch

Zeynep Serdaroğlu & Gülce Hamamcı / See You at the Movies / COMD 357 Multimedia Journalism Sonbahar 2022-2023 Listeleme Projesi

“Cinema can fill in the empty spaces of your life and your loneliness.” – Pedro Almodovar

Hello, fellow cinephiles!

The smell of popcorn, the dim lights, the big screen… Going to the movie theater is one of those experiences we can’t get enough of. Even though the pandemic paused our favorite activity, movie theaters have constantly been changing and developing to enrich the audience’s entertainment. Yes, for some, the activity became a chore over the past couple of years. We can hear people’s complaints: “Why go to the movies when there are my comfy couch and Netflix at home?” From festival film screenings to theaters with bars inside… As your narrators, today, we will list four eccentric movie theaters in Ankara that will get you up from the living room couch.

I. All-Nighter in the Movies: Bilkent CineDerin

Pulling an all-nighter whilst studying is tough… But Bilkent CineDerin promises the opposite with their movie marathons! Usually starting around 9 PM, the movie marathons of various film series end early in the morning. The marathons began with Studio Ghibli films: Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Ponyo back in early December 2021. Since then the movie theater has hosted extended versions of the Lord of the Rings films, the Harry Potter films, and the original trilogy of the Star Wars films. Watching these classics on a big screen is awesome as it is. Yet, while providing literal coffee breaks between the films, CineDerin’s movie marathons are also an excellent opportunity to meet with fellow fans that are obsessed with the movies just as much as you are. Don’t forget to bring your pajamas and a blanket to create an extra cozy experience!

• Working Hours: 11:00 AM — 11:00 PM

• Ticket Prices: ₺ ₺ ₺

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II. Comfier Than Your Own Bed: Paribu Cineverse Atakule

 

At the beginning of the post, we heard your complaints about not wanting to leave your house “just to catch a flick”. What if we told you that a particular movie theater elevates what you already have at home? In partnership with the mattress manufacturer Yatsan, Paribu Cineverse Atakule has a room full of comfy mattresses! There are two mattresses side-by-side and the angle of the mattress can be adjusted by a remote control according to the movie-goers’ liking. Becoming the one and only movie theater with beds in all of Turkey, this is a one-of-a-kind experience.

• Working Hours: 11:00 AM — 10:00 PM

• Ticket Prices: ₺ ₺ ₺

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III. Pre-Game before the Flick: Arcadium Cinemas

Beer and popcorn… A match made in heaven! There is nothing better than having this iconic duo during your pastime. And even though alcoholic beverages in the theaters itself have been a well-kept secret in the bibulous community, it is still not one would immediately think of when thinking of movie theaters. Arcadium Cinemas are here to change that, with a jam-packed alcohol bar inside! From wine to vodka, the bar is no different than any other bar one could see in Tunalı or Bahçeli. And the most fun part is that one can not only imagine themselves in a different world, by the power of the alcohol’s dopamine release but also can go to a different realm by entering the most magical illusion, a film! As with any other movie theater, the most recent blockbuster hits and releases are always present in the theater. However, Arcadium Cinemas also partners with the independent film distribution group Başka Sinema, which screens international and festival films. With this availability, Arcadium Cinemas are a must-visit for your fellow narrators!

• Working Hours: 11:00 AM — 9:30 PM

• Ticket Prices: ₺

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IV. Where the Doors Open to the Street: Büyülü Fener Kızılay

It is not a shock to anyone that since the pandemic started, movie theaters have been suffering to draw in audiences. The list of the theaters that are struggling goes on and on, but at the top of the list are, as always, independent movie theaters without the backing of major labels and companies. Büyülü Fener, one of the last standing independent movie theaters in Ankara, is one of them. Yet, this theater is considered to be one of the many gems of our beloved city. Hosting many film festivals throughout the year, showcasing independent film releases, and creating a space for the capital’s cinephiles to come together; both of Büyülü Fener’s locations in Kızılay and Bahçeli are contemporary heritage sites that crave the care of Ankara’s audience.

• Working Hours: 11:00 AM — 9:30 PM

• Ticket Prices: ₺

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