Renée García, the soul of the Ocimax bar: “The essence of cinema is in the movie theaters”

Para muchos, the cinema is synonymous with popcorn. As soon as you walk through the doors, that warm aroma—half butter, half nostalgia—transports you somewhere else even before the film begins. That smell marks the real start of a movie. But for Renée García, in charge of the Ocimax snack bar for more than two decades, that scent is not just part of the atmosphere: it is her day-to-day, her work rhythm and, in many ways, her life.

Renée is clear about it: “I believe there was a before and after the pandemic”. Cinemas, like so many other meeting places, were transformed. The explosion of streaming platforms, inflation and changing audience habits have left their mark. “When we were locked down, people needed ways to entertain themselves and the platforms became heavily used. Not as many people come as before. Besides, going to the cinema with the family these days is an effort. Even so, we have plenty of offers here and, for something that may seem expensive, we’re among the cheapest in Mallorca.” she says with a mix of pride and practicality.

After 20 years serving popcorn, Renée García guides us through the changes in cinema, from the glorious days of ‘Matrix’ to Bridget Jones–style pajama parties. Photo: Piter Castillo

Golden age

In spite of everything, there are still moments that spark that collective thrill. Renée recalls the golden times of block-busting premieres.
“When Matrix premiered, lots of people came in costume and the place was packed non-stop. And with the Star Wars films, groups of friends in costume also came to Ocimax. That really was magical.”

Mixed sweet-and-salty popcorn is a smash hit

Although times have changed, she insists that the essence of cinema is still alive. “I walked into an empty auditorium while they were testing the sound… and it gave me goosebumps. That doesn’t happen at home. In the cinema you enter another reality. In the end, the essence of cinema lies in a room,” she emphasises.

From her post she has seen it all: youngsters sharing giant combos, couples splitting up between action films and rom-coms, customers requesting impossible snack mixes… Someone once asked for popcorn with ketchup, “yes, honestly,” she says, laughing. “Mixed sweet-and-salty popcorn is a smash hit. In the end, everyone has their quirks. Some people can’t start the movie without popcorn, some mix everything, others can’t stand even a crunch… But I don’t think there’s any logic between the type of film and the popcorn. It’s simply a matter of taste” she explains.

On Wednesdays, spectator’s day, things go completely crazy. “That day people spend everything at the Ocimax bar. I think they arrive already thinking: ‘Come on, let’s go all out.’ By contrast, Sundays are no longer what they were: “They used to be the big day; now families prefer to come more on Saturdays.”

As for unforgettable premieres, Avatar takes the prize. “It was insane. The first one in 3D, people came every single day. We were packed to the rafters. It was crazy—in the best way.” Renée saw it in all its versions and still remembers it fondly.

García explains that what really draws people to the cinema are experiences and special events, like the pink euphoria unleashed by Barbie or the Ocimax pajama party for the premiere of the latest Bridget Jones film. “I thought no one would come, but it was spectacular. People showed up in pajamas, we gave them cava, a little box of chocolates… and they were blown away! I felt right at home because I’m very Bridget Jones. I think if more events like this were held, audiences would come to the cinema more often,” García explains.

In a world that spins faster every day, there are few places where time stands still. The cinema is one of them. And as long as there are people like Renée, who believe in shared emotion, in big and small stories, and in the irresistible smell of good popcorn, that magical pause will continue to exist.