ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Simon Edelstein photographs forgotten cinemas worldwide, new book on India

publication · 2026-05-09

Swiss cinematographer and director of photography Simon Edelstein has dedicated himself to documenting abandoned movie theaters around the world, preserving the memory of a threatened architectural heritage. His latest book focuses on India, capturing the often audacious designs of these forgotten spaces. Edelstein's project spans multiple countries, driven by a sense of duty to photograph these cinemas before they disappear.

Key facts

  • Simon Edelstein is a Swiss cinematographer and director of photography.
  • He photographs abandoned movie theaters worldwide.
  • His work aims to preserve the memory of endangered architectural heritage.
  • The theaters often feature audacious architecture.
  • His latest book is dedicated to India.
  • Edelstein feels a duty to document these cinemas.
  • The project covers multiple countries.
  • The cinemas are described as 'forgotten'.

Entities

Artists

  • Simon Edelstein

Institutions

  • Le Monde

Locations

  • Switzerland
  • India

Sources