Omnia Pathé, Rue Hannon

Omnia Pathé was the first cinema in Tunisia, opened in October 1908 in downtown Tunis. It became a symbol of emerging modernity in North Africa. In 1922, it made history by hosting the screening of Tunisia’s first-ever film, Zohra, directed by Albert Samama-Chikli.

Born in 1872 into a Tunisian Jewish family, Samama-Chikli was a true pioneer of Arab cinema. Fascinated by technology and photography, he quickly became involved in moving images. Even before World War I, he filmed daily life in Tunisia — on one occasion, from a hot air balloon, an astonishing feat at the time.

In 1924, he filmed The Girl from Carthage (Aïn-el-Ghezal), and was granted special permission to shoot inside the palace of Muhammad VI al-Habib in La Marsa. The film marked a turning point in Tunisian cinematic history.

Albert Samama-Chikli passed away in 1934 and is buried at Borgel Cemetery in Tunis. His legacy continues to inspire as a foundational figure in Tunisian and Arab visual culture.