THERE are no plans to reopen the landmark 180th Meridian Cinema in Wairiki, Taveuni .
The once vibrant cinema now stands silent in Wairiki, its weathered walls serving as a reminder of an era when movies brought communities together.
It’s managing director Champak Lal Dayaram says there are no plans to reopen it as a cinema.
He said the challenges facing modern cinemas were far greater than simply restoring the building.
“It depends on market demand. Today there are many challenges,” he said.
“Businesses across Fiji are facing labour shortages, and operating a cinema requires skilled people.”
Mr Dayaram said cinemas had changed dramatically over the decades.
Unlike the old days when films arrived on reels, today’s cinemas rely on digital technology.
“Modern cinemas are digital, so operators need computer skills to download and manage films. The building also requires maintenance.” The cinema currently stands in ruins, opposite the busy Meridian shopping complex in Wairiki.
Once filled with laughter, applause and excitement, it now sits unattended after years of deterioration.
One of the major setbacks came during a lengthy wait for the renewal of the land lease.
“Another issue was the land lease. It took about 18 years to renew, and during that time the building deteriorated.
“Some of the structural columns have weakened, and repairs would be costly.”
Although restoration is technically possible, he believes rebuilding the structure is only part of the challenge.
“The biggest challenge is not rebuilding the cinema, it is ensuring it can operate sustainably.”
He said people’s viewing habits had changed significantly.
Streaming services now dominate the entertainment industry. “People now have YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video and other streaming services.
“Before investing in reopening, we have to know there is enough demand.”
Mr Dayaram said previous studies estimated restoring the cinema would require around half a million dollars.
However, investing such a large amount without confidence in long-term viability would be difficult.
Instead of reopening as a traditional cinema, the family once explored another option.
“We once planned to convert it into an events centre. It could host meetings, training sessions, church camps and community functions.
“We even developed plans for that idea.”
While the proposal showed promise, it has yet to move beyond the planning stage.
The cinema has a remarkable history.
Built in 1954 by the late Ambaram Dayaram, it became one of Fiji’s largest cinemas during its prime.
It was also famous for being the only cinema in the world where patrons could cross into a new day simply by changing seats because of its location along the 180th Meridian. The building hosted movies, talent contests, public debates and many community activities.
It became a meeting place for residents from both the northern and southern ends of Taveuni.
The first movie screened was His Majesty O’Keefe, while Bollywood productions later became favourites among local audiences.
Today the empty structure continues to attract interest from visitors and former patrons who remember the important role it played in island life.
For many, it remains a symbol of Taveuni’s cultural history.
Although there are no immediate plans to restore or reopen the landmark, he said preserving its legacy remained important.
Whether as a cinema or in another form, the building continues to represent decades of community spirit and family dedication that helped shape Taveuni’s social life.
For now, however, the curtains remain closed.
