The intimate setting of The Babylon Kino, designed for independent film lovers in Columbia.
Columbia is set to welcome ‘The Babylon Kino,’ an underground film screening venue opening in February. With a cozy setting for independent films, this space aims to reinvigorate the local film culture. The kickoff event, ‘First Friday Lowbrow Cinema Explosion,’ will feature nostalgic niche films. Aiming to bridge the gap left by local closures, The Babylon Kino is ready to host themed film festivals, offer tasty snacks, and provide a communal space for film lovers.
If you’re in Columbia and a fan of quirky films, get ready to mark your calendars! A brand-new underground film screening space, The Babylon Kino, is making its grand debut this February, and it promises to be a game-changer for local film enthusiasts. Located at the cozy second-floor office space at 631 Harden St., right across from the beloved New Brookland Tavern, this venue is shaping up to be the next hot spot for those looking to enjoy unique cinematic experiences.
Covering an impressive 1,000 square feet, The Babylon Kino features a single-screen room capable of holding around 40 people at a time. This intimate setting is perfect for fostering a communal atmosphere where film lovers can come together, share their passion, and enjoy movies in a more personal way. The space was previously a small conference room but has been creatively transformed by local filmmaker and journalist David Axe to accommodate an array of independent films. Not only will it serve as a screening space, but it’ll also act as an office and storage area for Axe and other local creatives crafting art in Columbia.
To celebrate its opening, The Babylon Kino will host a fantastic event featuring the much-anticipated return of the “First Friday Lowbrow Cinema Explosion.” This is not just any film screening; it’s a throwback to those obscure films that filled the screens of Columbia’s Nickelodeon theater back in the 2010s. It’s a moment to relive those quirky cinematic gems and embrace the art of independent filmmaking in a city that craves it.
Since the pandemic led to the closure of the Indie Grits film festival, many local filmmakers have felt a decline in opportunities to showcase their work. The Nickelodeon, Columbia’s only arthouse cinema, has also moved toward more mainstream films. The Babylon Kino aims to shift the tide back in favor of independent and offbeat films. David Axe and his team are passionate about nurturing a community that loves making and watching diverse cinema, bringing something new and exciting to the local cultural scene.
Besides the monthly Lowbrow Cinema Explosion, The Babylon Kino has grand plans to host themed film festivals focusing on genres that have a dedicated fanbase. Think cosplay-worthy vampire flicks or thrilling zombie movies that will surely spark some lively discussions among thrill-seekers! The aim here is to keep the offerings fresh and cater to a variety of tastes in the film community.
What’s a movie night without some delicious concessions? The Babylon Kino will be serving up all your favorite snacks during screenings, including popcorn, beer, and wine. So whether you’re looking to sip a chilled glass while enjoying a classic horror flick, or munch on buttery popcorn during a documentary, this venue has you covered. Grab your pals, and get ready for a fun night out!
Please note that tickets and event information will primarily be shared through social media channels rather than the traditional box office. You can follow The Babylon Kino on Facebook and Instagram at @thebabylonkino to keep in the loop about upcoming screenings and events. Make sure you don’t miss out!
The excitement is palpable as the first screening event is scheduled for February 7, 2025. Prepare yourselves, Columbia! The Babylon Kino is here to reignite the local film culture and fill your nights with eclectic cinematic delights.
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