Tenerife Seniors Reconnect at Cinema with 'Movie Afternoons'

A new program called 'Movie Afternoons' is bringing seniors back to the cinema, turning movie theaters into social hubs. For many, it's their first time in decades. On Tuesday, November 4th, at 4:30 PM, the Multicines Tenerife in La Laguna was packed. As the lights dimmed and the chatter faded, the classic film Back to the Future (1985) began to play.

This program, a joint effort by Sinpromi, the Charlas de Cine Association, and Alda Projects, will show five films throughout the year. It's designed to be easy to access and encourages participation. Each movie screening includes themed discussions led by experts, and free transport is provided from different parts of the island. The main goal is to help seniors in Tenerife socialize, build community, and get more involved in the island's cultural scene, using movies as a way to connect and chat.

Back to the Future was a meaningful choice. For some attendees, it was their first time seeing the film on a big screen; for others, it brought back fond memories of the 1980s. "I hadn't been to the cinema in years," shared Carmen Ramos. She remembered seeing the movie when her children were young, "back when you could go to the cinema for just two 'duros' (about six euro cents)."

Francisco Martín also hadn't visited a cinema in a long time. He laughed as he recalled, "Going to the cinema was our Sunday ritual. I'd dress up, buy snacks, and escape the world for a few hours." 'Movie Afternoons' isn't just bringing back old films; it's also bringing back cherished traditions that many thought were gone.

Beyond promoting culture and making movies accessible, the series serves an important emotional purpose: it helps strengthen memories and a sense of belonging. In the cinema lobby, people chatted about the film's music, the actors, and how much the world has changed since it was made. "I love the young guy, Michael J. Fox," Rosa González said with a laugh. "He had that cheeky look that reminded us of our own teenage kids."

Manuela Cabrera hadn't been to a cinema in over 20 years, and she felt like it was her first time. Next to her, José Luis Herrera couldn't stop smiling. He couldn't recall the last time he saw a movie on the big screen, but this experience brought him "great joy, being surrounded by people and watching such a good film."

After the movie, many stayed in the lobby to chat. Some reminisced about watching black and white films, while others compared old ticket prices to today's. Amid laughter, photos, and hugs, the group said their goodbyes, promising to return for the next screening on the 25th. "Today I felt a little younger again," Luis Cabrera smiled.