"Scala" is a documentary film directed by filmmaker Passanan "Sugar" Panwawongsakul. The film explores the history and significance of the Scala cinema, the last standalone cinema in Bangkok. Located in the bustling Siam Square area, Scala opened its doors in 1969 and became a beloved cultural institution for generations of moviegoers.
Through interviews with former employees, film historians, and regular patrons, the film delves into the cultural importance of Scala and its impact on the film industry in Thailand. The film also includes rare archival footage of the cinema's early days and clips from classic Thai films that were screened at Scala over the years.
But "Scala" is not just a celebration of the cinema's past. The film also documents the final days of Scala, as the Covid-19 pandemic forced its closure in March 2020. As the cinema's staff and loyal patrons gather to say goodbye, the filmmakers capture poignant moments of reflection and nostalgia.
One of the film's key themes is the personal connection that many people feel to Scala. For Passanan, the project was not just a documentary, but a way to reconnect with her own family history. Her father had worked at Scala in the 1980s, and through the course of filming she reconnected with his old friends and colleagues who were dismantling the cinema.
Overall, "Scala" is a moving tribute to a beloved institution and a poignant meditation on the passage of time and the power of memory.
