I absolutely love going to see a movie on the big screen. There's something about the smell of the popcorn, the rumble of anticipation from my fellow movie goers, as well as the thrill of seeing something on the screen that's so large, that just does it for me.

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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But maybe you've also been to a sold out showing of something on the weekend and thought to yourself, "there are TOO MANY people here, it's ruining my experience". Well, maybe it's about time you saw something at one of Michigan's few Microcinemas.

What is a Micro Cinema?

According to Wikipedia, The term "microcinema" was first coined in the 1990s by Rebecca Barten and David Sherma of San Francisco's Total Mobile Home microCINEMA. The founders say they envisioned an alternative movement, a sort of cinematic microbrewery.

Laura Hardy / TSM
Laura Hardy / TSM
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And now, the word has come to describe an intimate, low-budget style of movie shot on relatively cheap formats like Hi-8 video, DV, and (less often) older do-it-yourself stock like 16mm film. The spaces that are used to show these films, are also known as Microcinemas as well.

What is the smallest / most exclusive movie theatre in Michigan?

Michigan's smallest theatre is actually located right here in Grand Rapids.

Laura Hardy / TSM
Laura Hardy / TSM
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The Koning Micro Cinema's capacity is 60 people, with a four barrier-free available. According to their website, The Koning is named after Community Media Center's founding director, the late Dirk Koning.

And it's an adorable space...

Courtesy of Koning Micro Cinema
Courtesy of Koning Micro Cinema
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You can also rent it out for a three hour minimum, if you want to share something of your own.

Courtesy of Koning Micro Cinema
Courtesy of Koning Micro Cinema
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While you're not likely to see a Marvel movie or the latest summer blockbuster, this theatre is frequently rented for first showings and screenings of independent films.

So if you do see a screening listed in the future, you know you're in for a unique treat.