Siam’s Old Cinema Splendor

Remember going to the movies as a child at that big old theater in the heart of town, the one with the marquee that was the length of the building and twinkling lights all over the facade? Can you recall the excitement you experienced when entering that ornate lobby, the sort that would be too costly to construct in this day and age?

Memories of those huge billboards and posters draped over the walls like modern day tapestries and an auditorium so large that there was an ever-present yet slight echo accompanying the film, are forever engraved in a nostalgic corner of my brain.

Think back to those huge billboards and posters, draped over the walls like modern day tapestries, and an auditorium so large that there was always a slight echo accompanying the film. Sadly, with the changing times came changing technology and most of the world’s grand movie palaces like that began to become out of date. Southeast Asia’s stand-alone theaters have not been immune.

By Phil, Southeast Asia Movie Theater Project

In many ways, the loss of these old theaters marks the loss of piece of history. In Thailand, the whole of Southeast Asia and throughout the world, old stand-alone theaters such as described above were once of great social importance to the towns and cities they stood in, not to mention the simple joys that were had at the movies.

The coming of film and the rise of the theaters that showed them brought new ideas far and wide. For some communities, having a movie theater was considered a step towards higher civilization and the coming of modernity. They served as gathering points for people of all backgrounds and ages, even if moviegoers were separated, rich and poor, by balconies and mezzanines.

Since moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand three years ago, five stand-alone movie theaters have ceased operations, while four of them have already been destroyed. With this in mind, I set out with a camera to document these old theaters before they’ve all been completely whiped off the map. In so doing, I started a web-site to dislay them for anybody to see.

The Southeast Asia Movie Theater Project is my attempt to document and archive a bit of history in Southeast Asia, supplemented by relevant local anecdotes and some commentary. It’s also an attempt to bring a bit of due recognition to an entertainment form that once reigned supreme, before it’s totally forgotten.

The premise is basically to post photographs depicting the older, single-screen and stand-alone movie theaters in this corner of the globe. The impetus is to preserve their memories before they are destroyed, which is happening quite rapidly. I also try to throw some anecdotal info in there too, whether related to some facet of local history or an on-going news story.

+++ BD: If there were only more of such dedicated lovers of their trade out here. Excellent work Phil. Your site’s a true treasure chest.




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May 10, 2009 | Filed Under Books & Movies, Culture & Arts, History, TTT - Top Thai Things 

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