Independent, Arthouse & World Cinema in Santiago

If Arthouse and World Cinema is your bag, Santiago will serve you well with an abundance of places to go to check out independent and international films, both modern and classic. These old theatres have maintained the original appeal of cinemas, mellow vibes and tranquility instead of bombastic full sensory overload, and make a nice alternative for those who aren´t keen on being violated by Hollywood special effects or forking out half a day´s wages on popcorn and a coke. Here´s a rundown of venues to check out:

Cine Arte Normandie, Tarapaca 1181 - http://www.normandie.cl/
I haven't actually been here yet but it focuses on non-mainstream films, whether Chilean, North American or from other countries. There are also gigs.

Cine Arte Alameda, Avenida Libertador Bernado O'Higgins 139 - http://www.centroartealameda.cl/
Great place in central Santiago and based in the heart of things, just off Plaza Italia and the gateway to Bellavista. It´s a very well known venue and has gigs, exhibitons, cinema, launches and so on. A lot of cool kids go there.

Cine Arte Tobalaba, Avenida Providencia 2563
Low-key and chilled out arthouse cinema, next door to Shoreditch-style Bar 14 and a decent sushi joint whose name I can´t remember.

El Biografo, Lastarria 181
Good place for Chilean or less mainstream US films on one of Santiago´s most popular streets. Not the comfiest seats in the world but good retro charm.

Matucana 100, Avenida Matucana 100 - http://www.m100.cl/index.php
Absolutely one of the finest arts centres in Santiago, the cinema is just one small part of this excellent symbol of modern Santiago. Based in an old factory to the east of the centre, it features theatre, music, exhibitions, workshops, architecture, photography, dance, kid´s stuff and much more. They have regular film seasons, currently of Palestinian cinema and the complete works of Akira Kurosawa, and recent seasons of the New Wave of Asian cinema, Ingmar Bergman and Italian cinema. Films are shown Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm and at 500 pesos ($1 US or about 70p), it´s cheap as chips.

Centro Cultural La Moneda, Plaza de la Ciudadanía 026 - http://www.ccplm.cl/
Although part of the Presidential Palace, this place has managed to stay free of bullshit and has numerous interesting exhibitions, while the cinema has a focus on Chilean film, in addition to regularly showing films from other countries. 

There are some other places as well, particularly in universities, cultural centres and national institutes. So, plenty of options.