Saving Maputo’s Scala Cinema: A Century of Art Deco Heritage
Maputo’s iconic Cine-Teatro Scala, the historic venue that introduced sound cinema to Mozambique, is fighting for its future. As it nears its 100th anniversary in 2031, the theater’s management is making an urgent appeal for support to rehabilitate the aging landmark and preserve its status as a cultural cornerstone of the capital.
Built in 1931 in downtown Maputo, the Art Deco masterpiece remains one of the few historic cinemas still active in the city. Managed since 2015 by the Scala Cultural Association, the venue serves as a living monument to the country’s artistic heritage.
A Fortress of Culture and Memory
“The Scala is a historical milestone; it is heritage in itself,” said Marieta Manjate, president of the association and a film producer, in an interview with Lusa. “It is one of the resilient cinemas that remained and continues to host cinema, theater, and dance.”
With a capacity for 1,000 spectators, the Scala today functions as more than just a performance hall. Under Manjate’s leadership, it has become a hub for oral history research and heritage advocacy. While the theater faces stiff competition from digital streaming, Manjate is on a mission to bring back the social magic of the “big screen.”
“Our young people have lost the habit of going to the cinema,” she lamented. “We are returning to cultivating that—creating a place to connect, to watch a film and think, to watch and learn in a space designed for exactly that.”
Small Wins and Full Houses
The efforts are starting to pay off. The theater’s “Cine das Quintas” project holds biweekly screenings of Mozambican films, typically drawing between 100 and 150 people. Recent international showcases have seen even more success; a May festival featuring films from the Lusophone world and beyond recently saw the venue reach full capacity.
“The whole room was full, from the stalls to the balcony,” Manjate recalled with pride. “It was a huge joy. Things are returning slowly, and I think we are on the right path.”
The Race to 2031
Despite the renewed energy, the building itself is showing its age. To reach its centenary in 2031 in “dignified” condition, the Scala requires a massive overhaul. Everything from the original Art Deco flooring and seating to the projection screens, lighting, and sound systems needs modernization.
Funding remains the primary obstacle. While the National Institute of Creative Industries and various foreign embassies have provided some assistance, it is far from what is needed to restore a building of this scale.
“We don’t have the ideal funding yet, but we keep asking for support,” Manjate said. “We want to celebrate 100 years of the Scala with the dignity it deserves. The preservation of this space is the survival of Maputo’s cultural identity.”
Image: Pexels – Andre Moura
