Back Door Cinema

Overview

It was only a matter of time before pop-up cinemas became a thing. First there was the whole outdoor trend, then came along rooftop bar screenings. Now movie aficionado Andrew Mercado is introducing Backdoor Cinema, coming soon to a bar, alleyway or backyard near you.

The Backdoor Cinema experience is a nod to old school styles of storytelling. Expect some pretty classic advertising, intermissions and some potentially politically incorrect cartoons. In an effort to jazz up the movie experience, Backdoor Cinema will be showcasing an array of golden oldies in Australian Cinema throughout the '50s till the '80s in various locations throughout Sydney.

The first instalment will be held on September 9 at the Imperial Hotel in Erskineville. In lieu of its 40th anniversary, Backdoor Cinema will be presenting the notorious Australian soap opera film Number 96 in all of its bell-bottomed, sideburned glory.

Mercado wants this movie experience to be a complete 360 from the traditional movie route. Firstly, moviegoers are encouraged, nay required to dress up in the style of the era of the movie being showcased. Secondly, audience participation is strongly encouraged. For Mercado, the more audience participation, the better.

"Who doesn’t love a dress-up and yelling out at the screen?” asks Mercado. "And just because the end credits start rolling on a movie doesn't mean the night should finish with people scurrying home. In a pub setting, we plan on cranking up the music and keeping the vibe going so that patrons can have another drink and a dance."