Nha Trang's Cinema Scene: A Journey Through Time
The Early Days of Cinema in Nha Trang
Nha Trang's cinematic journey began in the late 1930s with the arrival of its first two movie theaters. The Abraham cinema, established by the French, stood proudly on Graffeuil Street, later known as Doc Lap and now Thong Nhat Street. Not far away, the Tan Tien cinema, owned by an Indian proprietor, graced Nha Tho Street, which is now Le Thanh Phuong Street. In 1953, Mr. Ton That De acquired the Abraham cinema and rebranded it as Tan Tan. To draw in the crowds, he enlisted artists from Saigon to create vibrant advertisements for the theater.
Evolving Theaters and Diverse Offerings
Following the Tan Tan and Tan Tien cinemas, Nha Trang welcomed more venues. The Tan Thanh, originally a traditional Vietnamese opera house called Thanh Xuong, opened its doors, alongside Tan Quang and Minh Chau. By the early 1970s, the Nha Trang and Hung Dao cinemas joined the scene. Each theater carved out its niche: Tan Tan specialized in European, American, and Hong Kong films, while Tan Tien focused on Indian cinema. Minh Chau was known for its romantic dramas and occasionally hosted traditional Vietnamese opera performances.
Post-1975 Transformations and Enduring Appeal
After 1975, the Minh Chau cinema was renamed Kim Dong and dedicated itself to screening children's films. In an era where entertainment options were more limited, these cinemas became vital hubs for urban residents, often playing to packed houses. The enduring appeal of the silver screen offered a cherished form of local entertainment.
Restoration: Song Hanh Mobile
Credit: Khanh Hoa Channel
