Hutong haunt for indie film fans and literary enthusiasts Camera Stylo will be closing its doors for good come Oct 31. Although it will be immediately reopening under new ownership and the new name Sugar Café, we can’t help but feel sad that one of Beijing’s distinctive flames has been put out.
We have talked in the past to some of Camera Stylo’s frequent patrons about just what this film-themed venue means to them, especially to literary group Spittoon who have been using the venue for their events every Thursday for a number of years.
Yesterday I attended Spittoon Poetry Night at Camera Stylo, the last Spittoon event to be held there under that name and ownership. It was an emotional night with touching tributes made to Camera Stylo and owner Yao who has been a great supporter of Spittoon.
Yao himself was absent, having moved to Shanghai earlier this year where he set up the soon-to-be sole branch of Camera Stylo there. I reached out to Yao to find out more about the closure and new ownership.
Firstly, we’re so sorry to hear that Camera Stylo will be closing. Can you tell us a bit about why this is happening?
There are many reasons, but maybe I shouldn’t say them publicly. Over the past three years Camera Stylo has been closed for about a year in total. During that time, I noticed a big change in the energy of Beijing.
How does it feel with Camera Stylo closing?
It’s a bit sad and emotional.
You moved to Shanghai and opened up a new Camera Stylo branch there earlier this year. Was this because you thought you may end up closing the Beijing branch or was it a coincidence?
It was a coincidence. When I moved to Shanghai, I hadn’t thought about closing the Beijing CS. However, as the restrictions increased and business decreased, I just felt that emotionally and mentally I just couldn’t take it anymore.
Camera Stylo has been open for seven years. What are some of your fondest memories there?
To be honest, for the past seven years I had a tough life at Stylo, so I didn’t get to enjoy it as much as I wished I had. However, I’m glad I was able to see other people have fun and enjoy all kinds of events. It made my work feel worth it. I’m sure some people have important memories of Camera Stylo, as do I, but it’s just part of my regular life.
When will new owner Sugar Café take over and can you tell us a bit about them?
From Nov 1, Camera Stylo will be under new ownership. Sugar Café is a coffee shop which already has a few locations around Beijing.
Currently Camera Stylo is also the home of Spittoon’s weekly literary nights. Will this continue under the new ownership?
If Spittoon would like to continue to use the venue, I think they can hold their regular literary nights there. To be honest, I can’t even remember when Spittoon first started to host their events at Camera Stylo, but they are the only group in Beijing that have had a special bond with CS for this long. I’m grateful and thankful for all the support over the years. I have many good memories with Spittoon.
Lastly, is there anything you would like to say directly to our readers?
Keep the hope and maybe everything will be better.
At this time, it’s unclear just what the new ownership will have in store for Camera Stylo. As it will be immediately reopening as Sugar Café the day after closure, it seems that the current décor and layout will stay for now. Whether there will be bigger changes and renovations in future remains to be seen, but you can be sure that we here at the Beijinger will keep you up to date with any developments.
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Images: Katie Coy, Ana Padilla Fornieles, courtesy of Camera Stylo and Spittoon Collective
Firstly, we’re so sorry to hear that Camera Stylo will be closing. Can you tell us a bit about why this is happening?
There are many reasons, but maybe I shouldn’t say them publicly. Over the past three years Camera Stylo has been closed for about a year in total. During that time, I noticed a big change in the energy of Beijing.
This is tellying you everything you need to know. Unbeliveable how this city died in few years.
