Nha Trang's Golden Age of Cinema: A Journey Through Historic Movie Theatres
Step back in time to 1997 and imagine the vibrant atmosphere around the Tân Quang cinema in Nha Trang. This city has a rich cinematic past, with its first movie theatres emerging in the late 1930s.
The Early Pioneers: Abraham and Tân Tiến
The pioneering spirit of entertainment in Nha Trang began with two distinct venues. The Abraham theatre, a French creation, stood proudly on Graffeuil Street, later known as Độc Lập and now Thống Nhất Street. Not far away, on Nhà Thờ Street (today Lê Thành Phương Street), the Tân Tiến theatre operated, owned by an Indian businessman. In 1953, Mr. Tôn Thất Đệ acquired the Abraham theatre and rebranded it as Tân Tân. To draw crowds, he even commissioned artists from Saigon to create eye-catching movie posters.
A Flourishing Cinematic Landscape
Following Tân Tân and Tân Tiến, Nha Trang welcomed more cinemas. The Tân Thanh, originally a traditional Vietnamese opera house called Thạnh Xương, appeared alongside Tân Quang and Minh Châu. By the early 1970s, the city's film scene expanded further with the addition of Nha Trang and Hưng Đạo theatres.
Each theatre cultivated its own unique appeal. Tân Tân was the go-to for European, American, and Hong Kong films. Tân Tiến specialized in captivating Indian movies. Minh Châu often screened romantic dramas and occasionally hosted traditional Vietnamese opera performances, known as cải lương.
Post-1975 Era and Enduring Appeal
After 1975, Minh Châu underwent a transformation, becoming Kim Đồng and dedicating its screen to children's films. In an era where entertainment options were less diverse, cinemas served as a crucial hub for urban dwellers. Audiences flocked to these theatres, ensuring that shows were almost always full, highlighting their significant role in the community's social fabric.
Restoration by Song Hành Mobile.
Credits: Khánh Hòa Channel
