"The early twentieth century saw the advent of cinema construction, peaking in mid-century, before declining against competition with multiplexes and home television. While many were demolished or irreparably altered, many also lay abandoned, like time capsules for a bygone era. They are a snapshot of the architecture styles and methods of their time, acting as a reminder of their role in their communities."
"Zanzibar is no stranger to movies. The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), one of the continent's prime film events, is held there. However, it takes place in a temporary cinema on nearby Pemba Island. Tanzania formerly hosted 53 cinemas, most of which closed in the 1980s economic slump. By 2011, there were only 2 in the entire country, both multiplexes in the economic capital, Dar es Salaam."
The Majestic cinema in Stone Town faces imminent restoration that reflects both local history and broader cinema trends. Early twentieth-century cinema construction peaked mid-century, then declined under pressure from multiplexes and home television. Many cinemas were demolished or left abandoned, preserving period architectural styles and community memories. Restoring and adapting the Majestic recognizes its heritage and communal role. Zanzibar hosts the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in a temporary Pemba venue. Tanzania once had 53 cinemas, most closed during the 1980s slump; by 2011 only two remained in Dar es Salaam. The continent totals about 1,800 cinemas despite a growing filmmaking scene.
Read at ArchDaily
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