Filmoteca: One of my pastimes in Albacete

One of my biggest issues with Spanish culture is the complete lack of original version films at the local movie theaters. They are all dubbed with very fake-sounding, deep Spaniard Spanish voices. So, unless I'm in a big city like Madrid or Barcelona, there is no possible way to watch a movie in English.

My only option is to visit the old movie theater in the main square of the city. The filmoteca is located in the Cine Capitol, a movie theater built in the 1930s.  Over a decade ago it was transformed in what we call now the filmoteca and plays all films in original version with Spanish subtitles. Whether the film is French, American or Italian, it is heard in the real language.

Cine Capitol many, many years ago

The entrance to the theater and where they display their current showings

 While in regular movie theaters tickets cost between 7 - 9€, the filmoteca is a steal at 1.5 - 2€. The only drawback is that new releases are not shown; mostly old, classic films but some recent ones that were in theaters a year or two ago. 

At the end of each month the theater releases its program for the following month, usually containing a theme. For example in November they are paying a tribute to Marilyn Monroe and showing a few of the films she starred in. Some past themes include tributes to famous directos or to a particular country.

Last night I went with a friend to watch The Seven Year Itch, one of  Marilyn Monroe's most famous films. Because snacks are not sold in this theater, I snuck in a protein bar but other times I’ve brought in entire bags of chips and candy to share with others.

Marilyn Monroe in The Seven-Year Itch

Iconic scene from the film

Sometimes I go with one friend and some films we end up being 12 people. It's a nice option to have on any night of the week and for 1.5€ it’s the cheapest thing to do in this city that doesn’t include drinking.

Movie-goers waiting in line outside the theater