Carlos Costa Fulfills Lifelong Dream with Cine LT3, São Paulo's New Arthouse Gem

A Childhood Dream Takes Form in Perdizes

Carlos Costa, a former television producer and lifelong film enthusiast, has brought a cherished childhood dream to fruition with the opening of Cine LT3 in São Paulo, Brazil. The intimate 35-seat arthouse cinema, located at Rua Apinajés, 135, in the Perdizes neighborhood, began operations in 2022, establishing itself as a significant new cultural space in the city.

Costa's inspiration dates back 50 years to a formative experience at age six, when his grandmother took him to see 'The Clumsy Ones in King Solomon's Mines'. He recalled being 'mesmerized' by the giant screen, sparking a desire to one day own his own cinema.

Cine LT3: An Intimate and Independent Experience

Cine LT3 offers a distinct viewing experience, designed to evoke the 'golden age of independent movie theaters'. The cinema features 35 vintage red armchairs, reportedly more than 50 years old and acquired from a deactivated cinema in the countryside, contributing to its nostalgic and cozy atmosphere.

The venue's programming prioritizes national and alternative films, often showcasing productions unavailable in larger cinema chains. Screenings are presented with a Dolby 7.3 sound system and digital projection on a screen measuring five meters long by three meters high. Beyond regular film showings, Cine LT3 also hosts meetings with actors and film producers, as well as special screenings.

A Personal Touch and Resistance to Mainstream

A defining characteristic of Cine LT3 is the personal involvement of Carlos Costa himself. He single-handedly manages various aspects of the cinema, from selling tickets and making popcorn to operating the projector and interacting with patrons. This hands-on approach fosters a strong sense of community, with Costa often knowing regulars by name.

The establishment of Cine LT3 represents a 'resistance' against the prevailing trend of mall-based cinemas in Brazil. Official data indicates that nearly 90% of Brazil's 3,542 cinema screens operate within shopping malls, making independent venues like Cine LT3 crucial for preserving the city's cultural memory and offering diverse cinematic choices. Costa invested approximately 100,000 reais (about $18,600 USD) of his savings and credit to renovate an old garage and studio space into the cinema.

Cine LT3 is located at Rua Apinajés, 135, in Perdizes, near Barra Funda station. Individual tickets are priced at R$20, with a package of ten tickets available for R$100. Patrons are also permitted to bring their own wine to enjoy during screenings.