UNION Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn presided over a coordination meeting on upgrading the Wazira Cinema in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Speaking at the meeting, the Union minister said the original name of the Wazira Cinema was Excelsior, and it was changed into the Yangon Cinema during the Japanese occupation. It was nationalized in 1968 and became the Wazira Cinema. It is an ancient building decorated with Beaux Arts mixed with French architectural works used between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Therefore, it is being upgraded into a Red Carpet Theatre without affecting its original architectural arts. The air conditioning system, electrical system, and display system will be upgraded to meet modern standards while preserving the original design. As the building represents the image of the nation, renovations will be carried out in collaboration with the relevant departments.
It is planned to make the Wazira Cinema not only a movie theatre but also a venue where plays, puppet shows, dance, music festivals, international film festivals and Memory Film Festival are held.
Deputy Minister U Ye Tint reported on the upgrading work of the cinema, and the participants coordinated the discussion. — MNA/ KTZH
