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As a true Tel Avivian, I am just devastated to see what is happening to the Tel Aviv movie theater scene. Most of the old and well known places to catch a flick while still enjoying the “going to the movies” experience have been torn down completely to make room for exclusive high rise buildings. There were at least twenty different movie theaters around town, such as “Paris”, “Eden”, “Hood” and many others, and they’ve all disappeared.

I don’t want to become all sentimental, but I still remember going with my Grandfather to see my first movie. I was four, we went to see E.T., and we saw it at The “Tel Aviv” cinema, and I just couldn’t calm down from the whole event.

Now you’re going to think I’m completely cheesy, but I also remember climbing to the top of the Sech Mones hill, with my high school boyfriend, to sneak a pick at the Drive In movies. It was really Tel Aviv at its best!

Today When I’m in the mood for a film I find myself in a huge dilemma: should I actually get in to my car and drive out to Herzliya or Ramat Gan to one of the new modern movie complexes? My automatic answer in NO! Although they are very comfortable and convenient, with 25 new blockbusters playing at the same time, all the candy and popcorn you can imagine and hi-tech armchairs for your comfort, they’re still not the same.

That’s why the only solution is to visit the last few survivors still situated around town, but I am warning you, it is really a small group.

My first choice is Dizengof Lev Cinema. Although this theater is in the Dizengof Center shopping mall, it still has the atmosphere of an independent place. Here you can see all the quality films that arrive to Israel, all the foreign films and the indie flicks that can’t be seen anywhere else. It is also a good place to see Israeli films that come out, and this is indeed a developing market. Every year there are more and more interesting and well directed Israeli movies hitting the screens. In the last Academy Awards there was even an Israeli Film Named Beaufort nominated in the best foreign film category. Too bad we ended up losing to Austria.

Another good choice is Gat Theater which is the only real dinosaur. It has all the characteristics of old time Tel Aviv. The theater is big, the screen is huge and there is kind a scary darkness covering it. There is only one movie playing here at a time, and there is no clear connection between the different films being shown. You can catch the ultimate chick flick one day, and on another day, an Oscar winning mega hit.
When you’re done I recommend walking North on Even Gvirol St. towards the famous and very in Brasserie restaurant (http://www.2eat.co.il/brasserie) for some tuna tartar and a Bloody Marry

If you are a real movie buff and searching for something a little extraordinary, you should try and check out what’s going on at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque. Here you can enjoy different film festivals and events such as the French, Irish, British and Italian film festivals that occur once a year. They always include some sort of happening in the courtyard, with live music bands and ethnic food and drinks to complete the feel.

Last but not least I have to dedicate a line or two to the famous Rav Chen Cinema. Situated right on Kikar Dizengof, it’s not really a special or practically attractive place, the snack bar in pretty pathetic and when you’re walking up the escalator you pray not to get stuck. And still there is somewhat of an 80’s feel here which can’t be found anywhere else, and is worth the visit. Also I have to applaud the owners that didn’t sell out to the real estate tycoons and left us with one more place to go to.

In conclusion, all I can say is that I love going to the movies and I really hope I can keep doing it my way for a very long time!