For the first time, people visiting cinemas in Fiji were able to have different choices of which movie to watch.
The Fiji Times announced on September 3, 1996, that a newly built Village 6 multi-cinema complex was due to open later that week, and the new complex brought about a new era of entertainment for the people of Fiji.
“This means that families or friends can now share the same evening, in the same location, not having to see the same film,” said Dayanand Damodar, former owner of the Damodar Cinemas.
“And if anyone has to wait for another film to finish, three thirty-inch giant video screens have been placed in the lobby to preview incoming attractions.
“Tables and chairs which are conveniently placed will make the waiting more comfortable.”
Damodar was a partner in the development of the new Village 6 Cinema, along with Force Cooperation of New Zealand and Village Roadshow of Australia.
The complex was managed by the Damodar Brothers.
The building was designed by local architect Jitendra Narsey of Larnes Holtom Maybin and was based upon a standard look used in Force Cinemas in New Zealand, taking six months to be fully completed. The new cinema complex offered a choice of six different cinemas ranging in size from 250 to 320 seats.
The entire complex had a seating capacity of 1450 people.
The entire complex was fully air-conditioned, serviced by massive units that had been set onto the roof. Anyone who needed a snack could easily choose from a wide range of goodies from a 155-foot sweet delight candy counter.
As for those who were looking for something substantial, they could easily access Robert Harris Coffee shop just outside the main lobby with its entrance from the street side. Here, one could find a variety of sandwiches, imported ice-cream and a cup of Robert Harris Coffee.
The cinema complex was also designed for people with disabilities so that those with wheelchairs would have no problem moving around the complex. Wheelchair ramps were constructed in two seats in each of the four cinemas, this could be removed to replace a wheelchair.
The toilets were also been designed to accommodate wheelchair users making the complex usable to everyone in society.
“This facility will be a totally new concept in cinemas and cinema-going for people in Fiji. It’s putting us on par with some of the finest cinema complex in Australia, New Zealand and the United States,” Mr Damodar said.
The Village 6 complex was constructed by local contractors, Fletcher’s Construction (Fiji) at a cost of $8 million.
