As the Grand Ocean Cinema prepares for its final bow, crowds gathered on Sunday morning to reminisce and say goodbye to the 56-year-old landmark in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Long lines formed for ticket purchases around 9.30am, with the ticketing screen indicating that nearly all of today's showings were full, including the sold-out "blind box" screenings.
Movie fans eager for a last screening could still purchase tickets for "Lilo & Stitch" at 3.20pm, with limited seats available as of 11.30am.
A number of citizens also took the chance to take pictures of the city's sole giant-screen theatre, lamenting its closure and hoping for more support for the local film industry.
One moviegoer recounted watching the film "C'est La Vie, Mon Chéri" (or Endless Love) with friends at the cinema during his youth, describing it as a joyful memory.
He expressed sorrow over the loss of such a beloved institution, pointing out that its aging infrastructure made closure unavoidable.
Another visitor shared that the cinema is part of his childhood, recalling fond memories of watching new releases in the 1990s, pointing out more people prefer streaming platforms over traditional theaters.
Golden Harvest announced earlier that the Grand Ocean Cinema would cease operations due to the end of tenancy on June 2.
Established in 1969, the cornerstone of the local film industry on Canton Road has undergone several renovations. In addition to its iconic giant screen, the cinema features Dolby Atmos sound and approximately 414 standard seats, along with 42 D-BOX motion seats.
Following the closure of its Whampoa Cinema and Grand Ocean Cinema this year, the chain will be left with five cinemas in Shau Kei Wan, Olympic, Kowloon Bay, Tai Po and Tuen Mun.
