The 180 MERIDIAN CINEMA?
The 180 Meridian Cinema was the pride of the island of Taveuni in its peak.
Large, open windows at the cinema allowed fresh tropical breezes into the 288-seat facility.
180 Meridian was built by the late Abraham Dayaram in 1954.
The 180-degree Meridian International Dateline splits the islands of Taveuni from today and yesterday. Dayaram Fakir, who was a tailor by profession, travelled with his only son, Abraham Dayaram, to Nausori in 1924.
Taveuni grew close to the heart of Abraham Dayaram and his nine sons. He secured a loan from the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) to build the 180 Meridian Cinema in 1954.
The 180 Meridian complex was a venue for many things. It was used to host talent quests, public debates as well as screen movies. Movie screenings took place on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. It always used to be a full house. The first movie that was screened was His Majesty O’ Keefe, which was partly shot in Fiji.
Reel Paradise
‘Reel Paradise’ is a documentary that revolves around the 180 Meridian cinema.
In the 2000, American author and film producer, John Pierson was in Taveuni for a short vacation. While watching ‘Some More of Samoa’ at the 180 Meridian Cinema, he had an epiphany.
After 25 years being in the industry, Mr Peirson needed an escape. He dreamed of moving to Taveuni with his wife and business partner, and two children.
After raising cash from Lee, Kevin Smith, Matt Stone of “South Park” and other film-world buddies, Pierson bought the 180 Meridian Cinema
He then decided to show a year of free movies to islanders who average $20 a week in wages.
The Piersons arrived in July 2002 for a one- year experiment, and during their last month were joined by documentary filmmaker Steve James (“Hoop Dreams”) and a tiny camera crew.
‘Reel Paradise’ released in 2005.
NOW:
The Dayaram family think of the cinema as a family heirloom and wish for it to be operational once again.
Information Source:
180 Meridian Cinema Facebook