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[title]There are experiences that can't be replaced, and we cinephiles know this well. We simply can't let go of the unique charm of watching movies in a theater. We also don’t want to miss out on the chance to enjoy cult films that have no commercial distribution and don't appeal to streaming platforms. That’s why we celebrate the existence of Pantera Cine, which gives us the opportunity to gather for an immersive experience on the big screen with hidden gems of the seventh art.
Far from the tiresome algorithms that limit our choices, the film series offered by this community of cinema lovers in Mendoza invites us to trust the curation of those behind the “Brotherhood.” We don’t know what will be screened—the films are kept secret—but what we do know is that the lights go down, and the show begins.
What is the Pantera Film Brotherhood?
The idea was conceived by Mendoza native Ariel Blasco, a screenwriter and theater and film director who oversaw the 18th edition of the Municipal Comedy "Cristóbal Arnold." In addition to comedies in the theater scene, Blasco co-wrote and co-directed the audiovisual series "Mamut" and the web series "Masterclass."
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But above all, Blasco is an undeniable cinephile. Obsessed with rescuing debut films and second features from obscurity, he founded the Pantera Film Brotherhood. “It's cinema made today, yesterday, five minutes ago—urgent and current cinema that isn’t part of commercial circuits,” he says without hesitation.
"Pantera Film Brotherhood is a fiercely current cinema that isn’t part of commercial circuits"
The premise goes beyond this, proposing a return to the collective experience of watching films in a cinema. The magical temple, that space where a crowd quietly waits for the projector’s hum to settle into their seats, is irreplaceable. No flat screen or Smart TV can substitute for it.
Why is it called a “Brotherhood”?
It’s a Brotherhood because it brings together those who still cherish sharing cinephile knowledge, discussing, debating, and spreading the word about the merits of films, directors, aesthetics, cinematic stages, and movements.
"It’s a Brotherhood because it brings together those who still cherish sharing cinephile knowledge"
As Blasco himself defines it, the Pantera Film Brotherhood was born to "preserve the collective experience of cinema, to enjoy the theater as a ceremonial space once again, and to gather around films once more." He adds, "There’s an unknown realm where films that don't get commercial distribution or aren’t bought by platforms end up. The truth is, there’s another kind of cinema that also deserves to be discovered and enjoyed. The focus of this brotherhood is on that kind of cinema."
"Pantera Film Brotherhood was born to preserve the collective experience of cinema"
Cinema and wine to complete the experience
Since the proposal of this "cinephile society" is to gather before and/or after screenings in the theater hall to discuss the experience, the screenings are often sponsored by wineries to open wine bottles to the rhythm of some background music, creating a stimulating environment for these encounters. Don’t forget to bring your glass for a delightful tasting!
During the film cycles, the movies remain secret, but clues are released days before the screening, and on the day of the show, a password is provided to obtain tickets at the box office. All information—clues, passwords, discussions, debates, and upcoming screenings—is shared through Pantera Cine’s Instagram account.