Biennale pavilions are more than just visual art. The iconic building in Ibirapuera Park now also houses a movie theater called Cinema Bienal.
This is actually a third-floor auditorium, and much of the physical structure has been preserved, but new projectors and sound equipment have been installed with an investment of 500,000 reais under the Paulo Gustavo Act.
This program is specially curated, with a particular focus on global independent cinema and the success of Brazil’s filmography. Children’s sessions are held on Sundays. Everything is free.
“The implementation of the modernization project took approximately nine months. This process included updating the technical infrastructure and adapting the auditorium to receive high-quality projections,” said Antonio Lessa, Executive Director of Fundação Bienal.
The room added a laser projector, Dolby 5.1 sound system, new speakers and amplifiers, and blackout curtains. The screen (7 m x 2.92 m) may seem small to those sitting at the back of a large auditorium that is part of a building project listed at the federal, state, and local levels.
Some seats have their views blocked by pillars in the room, but the organization says the idea is to use the entire space to block these seats, and there are no designated spots.
Next weekend, for example, Flavia Moraes’ documentary Milton Nascimento Bituca, which follows the artist’s farewell tour, will be shown (Saturday the 15th, 4 p.m.). And kids will get free popcorn when they watch “The Boy and the World” (Sunday, the 16th, 1 p.m.), an animation by Ale Abreu that was nominated for an Oscar in this category. Tickets can be booked through the Sympla platform.
Apart from the film program, the auditorium will continue its multipurpose functions, including debates, lectures, and other educational activities. “The São Paulo Biennale has never been limited to the boundaries of the visual arts. Since its origins, it has sought a dialogue between different languages, and cinema is also part of this movement,” says Ressa. “The creation of the Cinema Biennale expands on this recognition, providing a dedicated, free-access space for both long-distance filmmaking and independent films with limited circulation,” he added.
biennial movie
Ibirapuera Park (formerly known as Pedro Álvarez Cabral, number 3, gate 3, 3rd floor. Program: “Milton Nascimento Bituca”, Saturday (15th), 4 pm; and “O Menino e o Mundo”, Sunday (16th), 1 pm: Free admission, book your ticket via the Sympla platform
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