At the top end of Agadez’s main street is an outdoor cinema. It was built in 1978 but closed in 1990 when the Toureg uprising led to a night curfew. In the interim the owner has died and people have got used to not going to the cinema. It has never re-opened.

Across the road on a shady mat sit a group of Muslim men. They remember the old days when it was open. One thinks he knows who has the key but it’s too complicated to give directions. A younger man, sitting astride a motorcycle, gets involved. He’s wearing long black boots and navy overalls. I realise it’s actually quite a smart uniform. He’s a fireman on his way to work at the airport. He offers to go and find the key and five minutes later returns with the watchman. He’s the nephew. His aunt has been left the cinema and now she’s interested to sell it. 10,000 sterling is too much for me, even though it’s a fun idea. Although not particularly old, the cinema is interesting. I take pictures from all angles accompanied by the fireman and the watchman. In the projection room we find sadly that some of the equipment has been vandalised. I point to the damage and ask how often he comes to check everything. "Every three months" he replies.

When it’s time to go the fireman prompts me to tip the watchman. I give him a small note for his trouble and the fireman gives him a lift home. Shortly after the fireman returns; and kindly gives me a lift too.