Cinebakery

cinema d'essai

It’s no secret that Newport is a city full of cineastes whose souls yearn for the magic of the silver screen. This love has spread beyond the multiplexes to nourish a small, alternative film hot-spot. CINE-BAKERY guides you through the celluloid backstreets.
The latest film club to hit Newport – and the smallest and plushest in town – is located in the cosy lounge of the exclusive Bakery. There are no signs indicating the entrance, in fact, the most underground film club in Newport is not open to the public. Entry is by invitation only (seats 35-40 easily). If you want to receive my emails and /or Facebook messages, they offer details on the weekly screenings and a contact number, so you can enter the Bakery and take part in an alternative movie night.
In true home-cinema style, the projection room boasts state-of-the-art technology and velvet armchairs and sofas for those happy few to comfortably rest their derrieres (and arms and feet for that matter). Sometimes, the film is an ‘exclusive’ preview of a soon-to-be-released flick, perhaps with an introduction or Q& A with the director.
Bakery people knock on the mirrored glass door and pay Dave £2. Outsiders with connections fear not, friends are allowed to accompany you per screening. Feel free to bring drinks in, although Dave has a small bar available.
The program is supposed to focus on “art-house cinema” for “opinion leaders”. In general, we will mostly screen cerebral-subversive and avant-garde productions.
Before the screening (which usually starts around 9pm) there’s sometimes a very short introduction of the movie by Massimo, a knowledgeable cineaste. Then you can lean back in your comfy sofa (if you got there early enough to nab one) and enjoy a viewing of that cult movie you may have never heard of but should really know more about…