Basement Mourning in Dusseldorf's Oberkassel: The Magical Cinema Shuts Down
In the heart of Düsseldorf, a cinema farewell: As the sun sets on a typical Tuesday, only a trio of senior cinema enthusiasts linger in the "Souterrain" of Cafe Muggel, catching a glimpse of Sam Mendes' ode to the silver screen, "Empire of Light." But just days prior, the crowd was keen for the re-run of Godard's "Contempt," and even the cult satire "Triangle of Sadness" drew a full house, leaving only 40 empty seats. As electricity costs, personnel expenses, and inflation mount, the Oberkassel basement cinema beneath Cafe Muggel is set to close its doors on June 30th.
Fewer seats, less noise, more art-house titles - and soon, no more cinematic escapes. The Souterrain at Cafe Muggel is vanishing, and the elderly movie buffs lament, while the younger demographic remains glued to their phones at home, oblivious to the cultural loss.
The Souterrain has been a sanctuary for film lovers, with small chairs, quaint tables, and cinema posters lining every wall. The melodic tinkering of the music box at the entrance will soon be silenced, and the hum of film buffs murmuring over a freshly poured beer, replaced by the quiet shuffle of office workers.
Originally, the Souterrain played host to more than just screenings. Once upon a time, the Muggel was an alternative pub, and the basement was home to Helmut Kettler's "Kleinkunstforum" in the 70s, livening up the quiet Oberkassel evening. The Souterrain eventually became dedicated to films, showcasing titles like "Don Camillo" and "Escape in Chains."
But now, a change is brewing. Alex Esposito, who has helmed the Muggel since 1998, eagerly takes on the vacated premises, as his café, restaurant, bar, and cultural hub for Düsseldorf residents and visitors is brimming with energy. More space is urgently needed, and Esposito envisions a stylish makeover for the basement, transforming it into a welcoming space for social gatherings. A return to its artistic roots, perhaps, a bit like jazz improvisations floating through the air.
The Souterrain, a long-loved sanctuary for movie enthusiasts, will soon cease to provide cinematic escapes, immersing filmgoers in artistic titles and a shared love for the silver screen. With its small chairs, quaint tables, and cinema posters adorning every wall, the cultural loss will be felt deeply by the elderly movie buffs, while the younger demographic continues to immerse themselves in digital entertainment.
