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Unearthing Cuba’s Hidden Cinemas: A Journey Through Forgotten Film History

John Doe03 mins

Cuba’s Architectural Marvels: Movie Theaters Documented by Carolina Sandretto

Cine Yara, formerly Teatro Warner Radiocentro, Havana, photographed by Carolina Sandretto —

Over the course of four years, Carolina Sandretto meticulously documented the architectural opulence of Cuba’s movie theaters. Her work reflects not only the beauty of these structures but also their cultural significance and historical context.

The Rise of Movie Theaters in Cuba

During the 1950s, Cuba's growing economic prosperity gave rise to a number of beautiful movie theaters.
During the 1950s, Cuba’s growing economic prosperity gave rise to a number of beautiful movie theaters.

In the 1950s, Cuba experienced significant economic growth, which consequently led to the establishment of numerous opulent movie theaters across the nation.

Funding and Influence

Many of the cinemas were built using funds from major American companies, like 20th Century Fox, Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Many of the cinemas were built using funds from major American companies, like 20th Century Fox, Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Many of these cinemas were funded by prominent American film studios, indicating the influence of Hollywood on Cuban culture during this prosperous era.

A Cinematic Landscape

Before the Cuban Revolution there were about 511 cinemas across the country. At the time, Havana had more movie theaters than Paris or New York.
Before the Cuban Revolution there were about 511 cinemas across the country. At the time, Havana had more movie theaters than Paris or New York.

Prior to the Cuban Revolution, there were around 511 cinemas throughout the country, which remarkably made Havana a city with more movie theaters than both Paris and New York.

Post-Revolution Changes

After the revolution, the number of movie theaters in the country rose to 600.
After the revolution, the number of movie theaters in the country rose to 600.

Following the revolution, the number of movie theaters in Cuba actually increased to 600, illustrating the persistent passion for cinema among the Cuban people.

Conclusion

Carolina Sandretto’s work not only captures the stunning architecture of Cuba’s movie theaters but also serves as a vital reminder of the historical and cultural shifts that have shaped the island’s cinematic landscape.


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