An iconic landmark in the heart of Apia resumed screening movies, selling tickets and serving popcorn to mark Samoa’s 61st Independence after the establishment closed for three years.

Locals were elated and could not wait to finally occupy their seats inside Apollo Cinema, the country's only movie cinema.

The nostalgic smell of popcorn brought back memories for young Rajan Kaluwaggalage who said that the last time he watched a movie at the cinema was in 2019.

“I’m really happy and excited. It’s been a long time. I remember the last time I was here to watch the ‘Take Home Pay’ movie before it closed down," said Mr Kaluwaggalage. "I want to thank the manager for putting up this place again and to have the feeling of watching a movie together with everyone is great."

Another local movie fan, Ioane Faaolataga and his group of friends rushed to the cinema to snatch tickets to watch 'The Little Mermaid' immediately after the Independence march at Mulinu'u.

“It’s good to be back from COVID-19 and this is a great sign that people are getting back to normal after the pandemic,” he said

“The last movie I watched here was 'Hobbs and Shaw' in 2018 and today we’re here to watch 'The Little Mermaid'. I want to wish everyone a happy independence day from the SJC class of 2019.” 

All of this wouldn't have been possible without the Apollo Cinema Manager, 23-year-old Achatz Ott, who said it had always been in his heart to bring back something very special for the people of Samoa.

“When it closed around three years ago, it was so sad. As soon as I came back after my studies about a year ago and I just knew in my heart that it was something that should open up again,” he said. “I could see it in the kids’ eyes that they really desired and deserved this entertainment. 

"This is for the people and that’s what motivated me to do this. It’s a big relief to get it up and running again.” 

It was a project that he had been working on over the last 12 months and believes that this was something that everyone wanted.

“We will keep on working on the developments bit by bit as we go. We hope that everyone comes down to enjoy it with their family and friends,” said Mr. Ott.