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Sun Pictures: The World’s Oldest Outdoor Cinema in Broome

Nestled in the heart of Broome, Western Australia, Sun Pictures is a true cinematic icon and the world’s oldest operating outdoor picture garden.

Its history is a fascinating blend of cultural exchange, resilience, and a love for film that has endured for over a century.

The Beginnings: A Japanese Influence Sun Pictures' story began in 1903 when the Yamasaki family, Japanese pearl divers who had settled in Broome, opened a shop on Carnarvon Street selling Asian goods. At the time, Broome was a bustling pearling town with a diverse population of Indigenous Australians, Japanese, Chinese, Malay, and Europeans.

In 1913, an Englishman named Ted Hunter purchased the shop and transformed it into a cinema. He made modifications to the building, converting it into a picture theatre with an open-air setting, a feature that would later become its most famous characteristic. On December 9, 1916, Sun Pictures screened its first films, marking the beginning of its legacy. Surviving the Tides (Literally!)

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Sun Pictures is its ability to withstand Broome’s unique environmental challenges. Situated in a low-lying part of town, the cinema was frequently flooded due to the region’s high tides. In its early years, moviegoers would sometimes find themselves watching films while sitting in water up to their ankles!

Despite these challenges, the theatre continued to operate, gaining popularity among locals and visitors alike.

World War II and Cultural Shifts During World War II, Broome was bombed by Japanese forces in 1942, and the town experienced significant upheaval. Many Japanese residents, including those with ties to Sun Pictures, were interned or forced to leave. The war years brought uncertainty, but the cinema survived and remained a crucial part of Broome’s social life. In the post-war years, Broome evolved, and so did Sun Pictures. It became a symbol of nostalgia, with generations of families continuing the tradition of enjoying films under the Kimberley night sky. A Heritage Icon and Tourist Attraction

In 1989, Sun Pictures was officially entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest operating outdoor cinema. It has since been restored while keeping its historic charm intact. The seating remains as simple deck chairs, and the corrugated iron building still echoes the early 20th century. Today, Sun Pictures is not just a place to watch movies—it is an experience. Visitors can sit under the stars, listen to the occasional airplane fly overhead (as Broome’s airport is nearby), and step back in time to enjoy cinema as it was in the early 1900s.

Conclusion Sun Pictures in Broome is more than just a cinema—it’s a living piece of history that tells the story of a town built on multiculturalism, resilience, and a love for storytelling. Whether it’s locals reminiscing about childhood movie nights or tourists experiencing its magic for the first time, Sun Pictures continues to captivate audiences, just as it has for over a century.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -