Cinematic echoes: Exploring the spectrum of misery and dignity in Mexico City's forgotten cinemas

This study examines the architectural and cultural significance of historic cinemas in Mexico City, exploring how these spaces mirror socio-economic transformations and embody the dualities of "misery and dignity" within urban settings. Focusing on iconic cinemas like Palacio Chino, Cine Ópera, and Cine Lindavista from the golden era of Mexican cinema, the research investigates their transition from vibrant cultural hubs to relics of urban decay, reflecting broader shifts in the city's architectural heritage and societal values. By integrating theoretical insights from Walter Benjamin, Georg Simmel, and Gilles Deleuze, the study offers a multidimensional view of the cinemas as both products and influencers of urban cultural dynamics. These cinemas, once temples of cinematic reverie, now stand as monuments to the city's fluctuating cultural landscape, increasingly challenged by modernisation and conflicting urban policies. The research underscores the importance of integrating cultural heritage preservation in contemporary urban planning, suggesting that acknowledging these spaces could foster a balanced integration of historical significance and modern utility. The findings contribute to broader discourses in urban studies, architecture, and cultural memory, emphasising the role of cinemas in shaping and reflecting urban identity and memory and calling for policies that prioritise cultural heritage alongside economic development.