SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – A lifelong passion for film has transformed into a vibrant community hub in São Paulo, as Costa, the owner and operator of LT3 cinema, cultivates a space for movie lovers in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. The small theater,a labor of love,stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema and the importance of shared experiences.
In an era dominated by streaming services and large multiplexes,LT3 offers a curated selection of films and a uniquely personal touch. the cinema’s existence speaks to a growing desire for authentic connection and the preservation of communal spaces, particularly after the isolating effects of the pandemic. Costa’s dedication isn’t just about showing movies; it’s about fostering a community and demonstrating the initiative required to pursue a dream.
Costa,inspired by the protagonist Toto in his favourite film,”Cinema Paradiso,” envisioned a space mirroring the bond between the character and a local cinema projectionist. He’s brought that vision to life, handling everything from ticket sales and popcorn making to film projection and cleaning. “No one leaves a movie theater the same way they entered,” Costa believes, and he’s witnessed this transformation firsthand over the past three years.
regular patron Maída Alves, 63, emphasizes the emotional value of LT3, recalling how she felt leaving a screening of ”Paris, Texas.” “I think Costa dose a really great job,” she said. “I see him selling tickets, making popcorn, cleaning, running the film, answering the phone. That fascinates me. It shows how you have to take initiative to pursue a dream, which I imagine is his life’s dream.”
Despite facing financial challenges and frequent questioning of his decisions, Costa remains committed to his passion. He finds fulfillment in observing the diverse reactions to the films he screens, noting how a single movie can evoke vastly different emotions in viewers. “for example, I screen a film, and some people leave crying while others don’t understand it at all,” he explained.”I can see the diversity of human beings. What affects one person emotionally doesn’t have the same effect on another. I learn something new every day.”
A painting outside LT3, a tribute to ”Cinema Paradiso,” visually embodies Costa’s dedication and the film’s central theme of a lifelong devotion to movies. The theater, a rare and essential common ground, continues to offer a space for connection and the transformative power of cinema.