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Staff Writer Fionn Dixon tells us all of Dublin's secret cinema spots
As a new college year begins, UCD welcomes new students from beyond County Dublin's confines who have never experienced the city before. For the film lovers amongst them, there are so many places and events to experience during your time in Ireland’s capital.
The Light House Cinema in Smithfield is a focal point for film in Dublin. While it of course offers screenings of the newest blockbuster films, for a lower price than many of the chain cinemas in the county, it is so much more. The Light House regularly shows films that were released years ago, giving customers the opportunity to see screenings of favourites that they may have missed in the cinema, or simply came out before their time. They offer 35mm screenings and have their own cafe and bar, perfect for pre- and post-movie chats. They also have different groups for cinemagoers to join, most notably their Cinema Book Club which shows the best (and worst) film adaptations of books once a month. All of this makes it one of the best cinema hubs in Dublin and the perfect place to be if you’re new to the city, looking to be entertained, or in search of community.
The Irish Film Institute, or IFI, nestled on Temple Bar’s Eustace Street in the heart of the city, makes for one of the days out for film fanatics new to Dublin. Not only does it have three screening rooms, showing new releases and a hefty mix of Irish and international features, even boasting 70mm screenings, it also has a restaurant, cafe, and dedicated film shop. The IFI is also home to Ireland's national film archive.
The archive has a catalogue of pieces available online, while its physical archive is available upon paid admission. All of this makes it not only a fun, cinematic experience, but a historic one to boot.
UCD itself offers so much for its film students beyond its film studies modules. The UCD Cinema has its own dedicated campus theatre that shows the newest releases for students and the wider public at cheaper prices.
UCD’s Film Society also uses the theatre as a venue for their weekly themed screenings, showing two films each week for free if you are a part of the society. For a €5 sign-up fee, it's a brilliant option for newcomers looking for a fun evening or new friends.
They aren't the only society revolving around film on campus, however, as the TV Society provides a more practical twist. With TV Soc, you can actively participate in filming student films, using their very own equipment.
As UCD offers no practical film modules, it is the perfect group to join if you’re wishing to fill that void and pursue film in a more practical manner, rather than purely theoretical.
These are the top choices cinephiles must visit during their time at UCD. Dublin is so much more than just the place your college is located. It’s now your home, at least for the next while, so be sure to get out there and try them while you are here.