Over the last year, UVK Multicines in Peru have programmed a host of classic films, often playing them for a full week to packed crowds.
With such impressive figures coming in, we spoke to their chief programmer of classics, Luis Ubillus about a rising trend of repertory cinema in South America.
Chinatown
Chinatown
Park Circus: How important do you view classic films as part of a diverse cinema programme?
Luis Ubillus: I view showing classic films as a means for imparting cinema knowledge in Latin America. I remember while studying in USC, California, how valuable it was to view films in the proper manner. This obviously had an effect on me, as a filmmaker, in order to appreciate and value film.
Commercially we are keen to show quality films and the story of cinema, all in line with proper revenues. Right now, we handle an average of two thousand spectators per art film.
We propose to our audiences director retrospectives which allow us to offer a newer generation the possibility to see, on the big screen and with better sound and colour technology than ever before, some of the best-known movies of our time.
Classics such as Kubrick's , and , Scorsese's Raging Bull and Taxi Driver, Polanski's , and and some other classics such as Trainspotting and Pulp Fiction have all screened at UVK.
A clockwork orange
A Clockwork Orange
I think there is a new sign of progress for cinema throughout the world. Literature has always been very appreciated in Latin America and we have very important writers such as Borges, Puig, Benedetti, Cortazar, Neruda, Vargas Llosa, Marquez.
However, I think a new line of filmmakers and lovers of cinema will also emerge. The exhibition of films will consequently help in the medium and long-term.
Trainspotting
Trainspotting
PC: Tell us a bit more about UVK Multicines?
LU: The history of UVK Multicines relies entirely on my father, who used to have more than 100 theatres throughout Peru with connections and cinemas in Brazil as well. This happened almost 50 years ago and he became the number one distributor of films in Peru.
With the situation of terrorism many of the theatres disappeared. However, in 1999, following my graduation from film school, we started to build new multiplexes. We now have eight multiplexes and fifty screens.
UVK is managed by my sister, Monica Ubillus J. I am a technical adviser and now work on our classic film programme. We plan to make three more multiplexes in 2014 and become 100% digital by mid 2014.
I personally want to exhibit quality classic films, contemporary quality films and start my own production company, as well as directing films.
One year ago, UVK Multicines Cinema” movement in order to offer audiences an alternative genre of exhibition where they could see independent movies and documentaries. This also supports new film festivals that are being held in Peru, providing them with proper exhibition space and technology.
UVK's "Art Cinema” movement is currently unique amongst cinemas in Peru.
