The history of cinema in Eritrea dates back to the country's colonial rule under the Kingdom of Italy.[1][2] In connection with the growth of Italian cinema in the 1930s, so too did the rise of cinema occur in Asmara, Eritrea.[1] In 1937, Asmara's Opera was converted into a dual-use theatre and cinema. By the following year, Asmara had a total of nine movie theatres.[1]
The Italian missionary film was first introduced in a 1922 work produced in the country by Capuchin monks collaborating with the colonial government.[3] Despite the country's independence, film screenings in Eritrea are mostly still confined to English and Italian language movies.[2]
Films like Шаблон:Ill were produced in Eritrea and shown the culture and differences between the Eritrean people. Directed by Giuliano Tomei, it was told through a viewpoint of Domenico Meccoli.[4][5]
European influence continues to this day, such as "European Film Weeks", which have been held annually for the last 15 years.[6] Almost 100% of the films produced in Eritrea fall under the "Fiction" category.[7]
