Cinema Usera, the summer movie theater born from the neighborhood and for the neighborhood, is once again screening films twelve years after its opening in 2014. When it was founded, its mission went far beyond that of a typical summer movie theater. It was intended to be a space for cultural co-management, the result of neighborhood participation and collaboration between artist collectives and social and cultural organizations in Usera and Villaverde.
It emerged as part of Intermediae’s “Paisaje Sur” project (a space at Matadero Madrid) and was promoted by the collectives Todo Por La Praxis, Kubik Fabrik, Espacio Oculto, and the Barrio Zofío neighborhood association. The latter co-managed Cinema Usera alongside the Usera Municipal Council for years.
The summer screenings of films and documentaries were selected based on suggestions from Usera residents. In addition, the venue also hosted neighborhood gatherings, concerts, presentations, workshops, and other community activities. Between 2014 and 2019, the number of residents who attended Cinema Usera during the summer doubled, reaching 2,000 people.
The Abandonment and Renovation of Cinema Usera
2021 marked a turning point in the history of this neighborhood cinema. That was when the Madrid City Council put the management of the space out to bid, and although the Barrio Zofío neighborhood association submitted a bid, the council ultimately awarded the contract to a private cultural management company. The cinema continued to operate, though no longer under the leadership of the district’s associations.
In 2022, the Usera District Council moved the film screenings to another location. Left unused, the Cinema Usera facilities fell into disrepair and even suffered a fire in May 2023. However, following restoration and remodeling by the Madrid City Council, screenings will return to Cinema Usera this summer of 2026.
The venue has undergone significant changes. Surrounding the original structures— designed by the artist collective Todo Por La Praxis—a concrete amphitheater has been built, along with new cobblestone walkways, although work on the surrounding area is not yet complete. According to city officials, these facilities will remain in place throughout the year and will host, in addition to the summer movie series, other cultural activities such as theater performances, concerts, and shows.
The summer movie theater’s program
The summer movie theater is located in Pradolongo Park, specifically at the entrance off Primitiva Gañán Street. Screenings will take place every Friday in July at 10:30 p.m. and every Friday in August at 10:00 p.m. The lineup, which is now managed by the city, consists mostly of current films suitable for all audiences:
- Friday, July 24: the Spanish family comedy *¿Quién es quién? * (2024).
- Friday, July 31: the animated film for the whole family, *Heroes in Central Park* (2023).
- Friday, August 7: Superman ( 2025).
- Friday, August 14: the children’s film *Harold and the Magic Pencil* (2024).
- Friday, August 21: the Spanish comedy *Sin Instrucciones* (2024).
- Friday, August 28: concert by Chaito and Palosanto.