“Seytan Bet,” which translates to “House of the Devil,” holds a significant place in the history of Ethiopian cinema. Established in 1923 during the reign of Emperor Menelik II, it was the first cinema hall in the capital city of Addis Ababa. The naming of the cinema hall reflects the initial skepticism and fear surrounding the introduction of cinematic technology to the Ethiopian population at that time.

For many Ethiopians, the concept of cinema was entirely novel and somewhat unsettling. The idea of seeing moving images on a screen, often depicting scenes and people from distant lands, was met with suspicion and superstition. As a result, the public associated the cinema with the supernatural, leading to the evocative name “Seytan Bet.”

Despite its ominous moniker, “Seytan Bet” played a crucial role in introducing Ethiopians to the world of cinema. It served as a cultural hub where audiences could experience the magic of moving pictures for the first time. Over time, as familiarity with cinema grew and technological advancements made the medium more accessible, the initial apprehension surrounding “Seytan Bet” gradually faded.

While the cinema hall may have started with a foreboding name, its legacy is one of pioneering progress in Ethiopian entertainment. “Seytan Bet” paved the way for the development of the country’s film industry, marking the beginning of a cinematic journey that continues to evolve and flourish today.
Seytan Bet later operated as a cultural center, known as the Mega Theatre until its closure. 

Read more about the beginnings of Seytan Bet and Ethiopia’s cinema evolution here: Cine-Ethiopia: The History and Politics of Film in the Horn of Africa.