暨南大学礼堂

Have you ever imagined a university auditorium doubling as a cinema? Right here at Jinan University Auditorium, also known as Zeng Yongbiao Hall, that’s exactly what happened for over fifty years. This iconic building on the south bank of Ming Lake has served as a cultural hub for generations of Jinan University students. Jinan University Auditorium has been much more than just a place for lectures and ceremonies. It’s been a beloved cinema, a shared space with a military medical academy, and a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this historic university. The auditorium’s cinematic history began in the 1960s, in a much older building located where the Jinan University Middle School now stands. The original auditorium resembled the People’s Assembly Hall and could hold 1200 people. Back then, film reels were scarce. Screenings took place in the main hall, and when a popular film arrived, outdoor screenings were held in the square. Imagine students and staff gathering under the open sky, sharing a collective cinematic experience. During the Cultural Revolution, Jinan University was temporarily closed. The First Military Medical University moved into the campus. A unique situation arose: two universities coexisting in one space. Jinan University was responsible for acquiring film reels, while the First Military Medical University handled the projection. This collaboration brought movies back to campus, offering a much-needed escape for both students and soldiers. By 1982, outdoor screenings became the norm. A mobile projection unit, complete with a screen mounted on a truck, was set up in the large playground, now the football field. It was a communal affair, with people bringing their own seats or simply standing, rain or shine, united by their love for cinema. The economic boom of the 1980s brought more film reels to the auditorium. Tickets were incredibly cheap, only 5 cents, compared to the average yearly salary of 1271 yuan. The demand for indoor screenings soared. The 1200-seat auditorium was always packed, even the stairways overflowing with eager viewers. Sometimes, for exceptionally popular films like “The Adventures of an Italian in Russia”, the auditorium held three screenings in a single night, a record for universities in Guangdong province at that time. In 1999, Jinan University underwent a major campus renovation. The old auditorium was demolished. The cinematic tradition paused, only to be revived in 2006 with the construction of the new, modern Jinan University Auditorium. In 2014, the auditorium partnered with Jinyi Cinemas, bringing the latest digital and 3D technology to campus. Jinan University became the first university in Guangdong province to screen digital 3D films. Today, Jinan University Auditorium continues its cinematic tradition, showing the latest releases every Friday night. The selection process involves a dedicated team that considers online popularity, audience surveys, and film reviews. Posters adorn the campus walls, and digital screens announce the upcoming films and the student-friendly ticket price of 25 yuan. While attendance might not rival the packed houses of the past, the Jinan University Auditorium cinema remains a cherished campus tradition. It connects generations of students, offering a shared cultural experience and a window to the world of cinema.