Novelty, disappointment, and nostalgia in the cinema-going experience in Saltillo, México during the 1980s

In the 1980s, in Saltillo, Mexico, amid the economic transformations experienced by the city, new cinema halls emerged. These new venues were more functional and commercial, unlike the luxurious palatial theaters of previous decades. Through in-depth interviews, we explored the public’s perception of these cinemas. Our findings revealed that this perception shifted from enthusiasm and nostalgia to disappointment due to the economic and cultural transformation of these venues. It can be concluded that changes in exhibition and management policies led to a reduction in audience agency and freedom in the cinematic experience.