In the bustling city of Hong Kong's Causeway Bay, a landmark that carries the memories of countless Hong Kong people, the President Cinema, is about to come to an end on April 30.
Since its opening in 1966, the President's Cinema has not only been a theater of cinematic films, but also a part of the youthful memories of generations.
However, under the impact of the economic downturn and multiple factors, this theater that has gone through the baptism of time has to say goodbye.
The story of the Presidential Cinema began in 1966, when the Hong Kong film industry was in full swing, and the Presidential Cinema, as one of the few cinemas dedicated to Western films at that time, became the first choice for many people's leisure and entertainment.
In the late '80s and early '90s, the cinema underwent major renovations in response to market demand and reopened after the renovation, continuing its mission of film screening.
However, with the passage of time, the rise of digital media, and the change of audiences' viewing habits, the living space of traditional cinemas has gradually been compressed.
According to the data of "Hong Kong Cinema Day 2024", compared with the same period last year, the number of moviegoers this year decreased by 18,167, a decrease of 8.2%, and the single-day box office also fell from about 6,661,080 yuan to 6,116,076 yuan.
This figure not only reflects the loss of cinema audiences, but also shows the shrinkage of the entire Hong Kong film market.
The closure of the Presidential Theater is not an isolated case.
This month alone, there was also the closure of the Golden Harvest Kai Tak Cinema in San Po Kong due to the expiry of its lease.
Behind the wave of cinema closures is the combined effect of Hong Kong's continued economic downturn, high rents and diverse audience choices.
Cinema operators are facing increasing cost pressures, while revenues are shrinking year on year.
The owner of the President Cinema has been described as a supporter of the Hong Kong film industry "leaving no stone unturned".
Still, even they are not immune to the market's ruthless ruling.
As soon as the news of the closure came out, many long-term supporters and fans expressed their deep reluctance.
The Presidential Theatre is not only a place of entertainment for them, but also a part of their youth.
In the face of the wave of closures, Tin Kai-man, spokesman of the Hong Kong Film Workers Association, said that the predicament of the film industry is multifaceted, in addition to the above-mentioned problems such as rent and audience dispersion, the attractiveness of the film itself and the cost of watching the movie are also factors that cannot be ignored.
He pointed out that the industry needs to consider how to improve the business environment in an all-round way, and the government should also give some support and guidance in terms of policies.
With the closure of the Presidential Cinema, Hong Kong's film culture landscape has changed as well.
The once bustling cinema can now only look for those former bustles and hustle and bustle in people's memories.
This is not only the end of a theater, but also the end of an era.
The story of the Presidential Theatre is a microcosm of the city's constant change and development.
In the midst of the economic downturn and social change, we have seen familiar landmarks disappear one after another.
The closure of the Presidential Theatre is not only a decline in economic figures, but also a gradual disappearance of a part of Hong Kong's cultural landscape.
As those fans who are reluctant to let go say, every end is a new beginning, and what we can do is to cherish those moments that can still be remembered together.