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View all search resultsBusinesses turn to ‘micro cinemas’ to boost screen numbers
Cinema operator Layar Digi has partnered with retail giant Alfamart to utilize second-floor commercial spaces in its outlets as screening rooms with a capacity of 30 to 50 seats.
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Representatives from the Creative Economy Ministry, Layar Digi and Alfamart attend the demo and first screening of the Layar Digi micro cinema studio at Alfamart Agricola in Gading Serpong, Tangerang, on Thursday. (Creative Economy Ministry/-)
L
ocal businesses are exploring the concept of smaller movie theaters with more affordable ticket prices as the government pushes for alternative screening venues to address the long-standing distribution challenges facing Indonesian films.
One example is the micro cinema concept from Layar Digi, which has partnered with retail giant Alfamart, with a soft launch planned later this month.
The initiative will utilize second-floor commercial spaces in selected Alfamart outlets, while the operations and management of the micro cinemas will be handled entirely by Layar Digi.
The concept offers screening rooms with a capacity of 30 to 50 seats, opening space for independent filmmakers and local creators to showcase their work, with ticket prices starting from around Rp 15,000 (90 US cents). In comparison, regular movie theaters typically charge between Rp 25,000 and Rp 75,000 per ticket, which can be higher on weekends or holidays.
“The micro cinema is not only a place to watch films, but also a forum for discussion, education and collaboration. We plan to expand to several cities in Indonesia, especially in areas that do not yet have access to the cinema experience,” Layar Digi CEO Victor Timothy said in a written statement on Thursday.
Rahayu Saraswati, the niece of President Prabowo Subianto, who also serves as deputy chair of Commission VII of the House of Representatives, which oversees industry, small and medium enterprises, the creative economy, tourism and public broadcasting, is also involved in the company as president commissioner.
“The concept of presenting Layar Digi in villages or small towns has actually been a long-held dream that was delayed. We want to provide more equitable access to watching films while supporting filmmakers so their works can be enjoyed more widely by the public,” Rahayu said on Thursday.
