Maputo residents have been left without a cinema after Nu Metro, the city’s only operating movie theater, suspended operations, bringing big-screen entertainment in the Mozambican capital to a halt.

The South African cinema chain announced the temporary closure in a statement on Wednesday, saying the decision was due to circumstances beyond its control.

The company did not say what caused the shutdown or when it expects to reopen.

For many families, students and film enthusiasts, Nu Metro was more than a place to watch the latest releases.

It was one of the few venues in Maputo offering regular screenings of international blockbusters, children’s movies and major film premieres.

The closure also leaves shopping mall visitors and local businesses without one of the attractions that helped bring people through its doors, while moviegoers are left waiting for further updates from the company.

Only cinema closes its doors

In its statement, Nu Metro thanked customers for their patience and apologized for the disruption.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, the cinema is temporarily closed. We appreciate your understanding and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused,” the company said.

The announcement immediately leaves Maputo without an operating cinema, ending access to new theatrical releases and other scheduled screenings until the venue resumes operations.

Moviegoers await reopening

Nu Metro Maputo has long been the country’s leading cinema venue, operating four screening rooms and showing a mix of Hollywood releases, family films and selected international titles.

The company has not said how long the closure will last, leaving customers with little information on when they will be able to return.

The lack of a reopening timeline has added to uncertainty for regular visitors and businesses that depend on mall foot traffic.

Company background

Nu Metro Maputo is the only Mozambican location operated by South Africa’s Nu Metro Theatres, one of Africa’s largest cinema operators.

The multiplex is located inside a shopping mall in Maputo and has served as the city’s main destination for movie premieres and commercial film screenings.

The company operates cinemas across South Africa and has maintained a presence in Mozambique through its Maputo theater. It has not announced a reopening date or provided additional details on the reasons behind the temporary closure.