1980년대 부산의 관람 공간: 소극장 시대와 시네마테크의 출현

Abstract

The so-called ‘small theater era’ was held nationwide in the 1980s, as small theaters were divided into release theaters and the more abundant re-release discount theaters from 1981 to 1990. Since Busan entered the era of small theaters, the ecosystem surrounding theaters underwent a transformation largely due to the emergence of these small theaters all over the city. A total of 48 small theaters were opened, run and subsequently closed down during this period in the city, making the phenomenon incomparable to any other records in the history of theaters. The phenomenon lasted until the era gave way to the introduction of multiplexes by the mid-1990s. Simultaneously, Busan was anticipating an era of new audiences. Two non-commercial small theaters which were opened at this time, the Institut Français and the Catholic Center Small Theater, operated as an early form of cinematheque in that they facilitated a screening program not allowed by the normal distribution system. Although these two institutions appeared as divergent case in the small theater era, they increasingly functioned as the hub of cineliteracy and its educative activities to satisfy the desire for film as artistic and political experience, especially for the audience who longed for the diversity in film availability.    This article looks into the era of small theaters in Busan during the 1980s, focusing on the oversupply of small theaters and the launch of cinematheques as two major currents that marked this period. First, I will examine the evolution of the small theater era from its beginning to quantitative expansion, and notice how it affected on the audience’s film viewing experiences. Secondly, the article will summarize the emergence of non-commercial, civic-minded small theaters and how it developed into a set of cinematheque movement with significant impacts on local film culture.