In the heart of Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town, the Majestic Cinema stands as a testament to the island’s rich cultural past—and now, a beacon of its vibrant future. On May, the first phase of the cinema’s ambitious restoration project officially began with a series of tender presentations, where architects, contractors, and community leaders gathered to lay the groundwork for reviving this art deco gem. Once known as the “Cinema Paradiso of Zanzibar,” the Majestic has long been a cherished venue, screening Hollywood and Bollywood classics like The Ten Commandments in its 1950s heyday. Despite its decline in the 1980s due to economic challenges and the rise of home video, the cinema’s legacy endures, thanks to the passion of figures like Abdullhussein Marashi, who has tended to its legacy since 1982.
The tender presentations mark a pivotal moment, with Hifadhi Zanzibar and its partners unveiling plans to restore the cinema’s iconic facade, modernize its infrastructure, and transform it into a self-sustaining cultural hub. Drawing on limited archival materials and insights from the grandson of local architect Dayalji Pitamber Sachania, the team is ensuring that every detail honors the cinema’s history while adapting it for modern use. Community engagement is at the core of this project, with a pop-up information center connecting locals to the restoration process and fostering a sense of ownership. As the first phase kicks off, the Majestic Cinema is poised to reclaim its place as a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s cultural landscape, blending nostalgia with innovation.