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Sneak preview of the new VU Rialto Cinema during World Cinema Amsterdam film festival

Back in 2018, when the New University Building was under construction, we reported that Rialto would be coming to Zuidas. The new building now provides a unique combination of education and cultural facilities. As far as we know, the Vrije Universiteit is the first university in the world to combine film, theatre and exhibition spaces with academic education under the same roof. In fact, the lecture theatres will double up as movie theatres and regular theatres. During the day, they are mainly for teaching science students, while in the evenings and at weekends they will provide a space for culture, too. In addition to the VU Rialto Cinema, the VU Griffioen theatre and the university’s Art & Science gallery are also housed here. In November, a café and restaurant will also be opening inside the New University Building.

A lecture hall / movie theatre in the New University Building

Luxurious auditoriums

These are very comfortable spaces, with luxurious seats, large movie screens and excellent acoustics. Rialto’s programme will feature high-quality movies, mainly made by European and non-Western filmmakers. Although the VU Rialto Cinema won’t be opening its doors until 4 November 2021, you can already see a preview of the programme and of these brand-new movie theatres. Just come along to the World Cinema Amsterdam film festival between 26 and 28 August 2021. This is Rialto’s annual summer festival, which will whisk you off to Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. These spell-binding films, often made by young directors, will give you an unforgettable taste of life in those regions.

Are you a fan of good cinema? And would you like to get to know the VU Rialto Cinema? Take a look at the programme and order tickets here.

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