2014-2016 / During the first half of the 20th century, Myanmar had one of the most productive film industries in Southeast Asia and over three hundred cinemas operated throughout the country. Yangon's 'cinema row' was the beating heart of the cinephile culture and home to a collection of stand-alone cinemas dating back to the 1920's. Many of these had stood the test of time, until now. With economic development comes destruction and cinemas are being demolished to make way for shopping malls, business towers and hotels. As cinema row fades into the past, the disappearance of these cinemas is contributing directly to the loss of Myanmar's film history, and illustrating wider rapid changes taking place in the city.
The drama begins.
Reflections in the foyer.
The Projectionist.
Seeing what he sees.
The audience.
Outside the Thwin Cinema.
The Usher.
Actor Maung Ba Tint and the Royal & Carlton Cinemas, which were destroyed following riots in 1974.
The Thamada.
Cinema office.
Film and reels.
A rush for seats.
Young cinemagoers.
A theatre fills.
The Victoria rolls.
The drama unfolds.
The drama ends.
How the Shwe Gone and Myoma Cinemas once looked.
Where the Shwe Gon and Myoma Cinema's once stood.
Pansodan nights.
On a street corner.
One of the last still standing.
A projection room wall.
Waiting for the theatre to open.
The curtain closes.
The film falls.
As the lights fade.