Cinema Cities, Cinematheques, and Community Cinemas

This panel explores the film traditions and cinémathèque practices of major cinema cities in relation to today’s emerging cinema spaces and communities, with a focus on Istanbul, Berlin, and Mumbai. It begins with Istanbul, tracing how festivals and cinema venues have evolved from the cinémathèque tradition onwards. The discussion then shifts to Sinema Transtopia in Berlin, a space that has revitalized film culture through alternative programming and connections with diverse audiences. This section, which will highlight examples of cinema-and-city-focused projects, will not only spotlight Mumbai’s rich cinematic heritage but also offer observations on the actors of film culture in various European cities and the ways they engage with different geographies through decolonial perspectives.