Since its opening in 2014, beloved independent cinema The Projector has, in our books, become an essential linchpin in the Singapore creative scene. When the pandemic hit last year, things did look admittedly rocky, especially during the lockdown.
The plucky team rallied around and quickly established their tightly curated online streaming platform The Projector Plus as Plan B as theatres and other places of entertainment shuttered island-wide.
New pop-up cinema Projector X occupies the top floor of Riverside Point.
While things are looking more positive now, founder Karen Tan says they haven’t been able to hit pre-Covid19 heights due to ongoing restrictions of seating capacity.
Enter The Projector’s latest concept Projector X. If you’ve not yet heard, the latter is their first pop-up space. Located on the fourth floor of Riverside Point (turn left upon exiting the elevator), Projector X is what the team calls “Singapore’s first (and hopefully last!) purpose-built socially-distanced 48 seater cinema”.
It comes equipped with a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) projector as well as wireless BlueTooth headphones for an enhanced audio experience. Due to social distancing restrictions, tickets will only be sold in pairs, with standard pricing at $40 per pair or $55 per pair for a combo of two tickets plus drinks (cocktails or mocktails) and popcorn.
The screening space – titled the Neon Room – goes for a lo-fi ’80s vibe. It also includes a mural by Singapore-based artist Mojoko.
“We just felt that life’s a bit short, so we decided to just go for it,” explains Tan, when asked why they decided to launch Projector X. “But also, it just felt like a nice change after a year of this Covid negativity to do something that’s positive and fresh. We wanted to create something that’s energising – not just for our community but the audiences as well.”
Ahead of its official opening tomorrow, we speak to Tan and general manager Prashant Somosundram on what audiences can look forward to at this new 10,000 sq ft outfit that will represent The Projector’s second home for the next 18 months.
And oh, for fans of the original Golden Mile Tower outfit, don’t worry: both spaces will operate concurrently.
