A Study on MUBI’s Economic and Symbolic Capital as a New Cinephile Space in the Digital Age

Abstract

This study aims to explore how MUBI, a digital streaming platform, transforms into a space for cinephiles and establishes its economic and symbolic capital in the process. Firstly, it stresses the evolution of cinephile, from the traditional cinephile to the contemporary cinephile, in light of technological advancements and the widespread use of the internet. Next, the strategies employed by MUBI are highlighted as it positions itself in the digital streaming field and solidifies its status as a company, thereby building its economic and symbolic capital. The findings reveal that MUBI has tailored its platform to cater to new cinephiles, offering arthouse film selections, festival coverage, the Notebook cinema magazine, and user comments on films. Particularly during the pandemic, MUBI showcased initial screenings and premieres of select films on its platform, distributed noteworthy festival films, and acquired companies producing arthouse films, securing a position in the cinema value chain. Ultimately, it has been observed that MUBI strategically appeals to the interests of contemporary cinephiles to enhance both its symbolic and economic capital.