5 Alternative Cinema Experiences in South Africa

This is definitely one for all the movie lovers out there, to explore new ways of experiencing “going to the cinema” in a new light. With the festive season and school holidays finally here we have been exploring new twists on old favourites, in this case, going to the cinema with your family. We have compiled a list of 5 alternative cinema experiences for South Africans for this festive season that will reignite your love for movies.

1. Cine Prestige 

The Cine Prestige cinema, brought to you by Ster Kinekor, is truly a VIP experience. With their large luxury reclining chairs to the private menu, you will definitely feel like a true VIP. There are added bonuses as well, such as the fitted snack trays, refrigerated cup holders and the private VIP lounge area where you can order your meal to be delivered to you while you watch your movie! They have definitely covered everything the average moviegoer has always wanted, with a luxurious twist. There are a quite few of these luxurious cinemas based around South Africa, namely, Port Elizabeth: Baywest Mall, Cape Town: Cavendish Mall (Newlands), Gauteng: Eastgate Mall (Bedfordview), Sandton Mall (Sandton), The Grove (Pretoria), The Vaal Mall (Vanderbijlpark), Mall of Africa (Waterfall City) and Durban: Gateway Commercial Mall (Umhlanga Ridge).

2.  4DX

Brought to you by NuMetro Cinemas, this is truly an amazing way to experience visiting the cinema, it is certainly my favourite. It entertains four of your five senses – smell, touch, hearing and sight. This unique cinema is very interactive, during action scenes in the movie the seats will actually move to simulate what is being portrayed on screen. This is not the only thing that is simulated, you will experience water sprays, different smells (such as a burning smell when there is a fire onscreen), and lightning and fog will fill the cinema. It is truly an amazing experience that will leave you feeling like you were actually there, an absolute MUST for all movie lovers to experience. The only 4DX cinemas in South Africa are in the Pavilion Mall in Durban and the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, so make sure to try out this epic adventure. Please note that this cinema is not recommended for very small children and pregnant women.

3. Independent Cinemas

There are quite a number of independent cinemas around South Africa for the more discerning moviegoer. These cinemas not only show the main attractions, but are also a haven for smaller budgeted and artistic movies. This is the perfect place to go to experience the cultural side of the film industry, as these cinemas mostly show independent movies, foreign films, historical cinema and other alternative and art circuit films. The main independent cinemas in South Africa are The Labia in Gardens, Cape Town and The Bioscope in Johannesburg CBD.

4. IMAX

The main difference between the IMAX and the regular cinema is definitely the screen size, with its HUGE screen the IMAX creates a feeling of being submerged, where you feel pulled into the magic of the movies you watch. The high quality sound and picture is clearly evident with the vivid detail on-screen, and this only gets better with 3D. So if you are in the mood to for an amazing BIGGER movie experience we do recommend visiting the following Ster Kinekor branches that offer the IMAX cinema option namely, Port Elizabeth: Baywest Mall, Cape Town: Cape Gate Mall (Brackenfell), Gauteng: Eastgate Mall (Bedfordview), Sandton Mall (Sandton), The Grove (Pretoria), Cradlestone Mall (Krugersdorp), Mall of Africa (Waterfall City) and Durban: Gateway Commercial Mall (Umhlanga Ridge).

5. Outdoor Cinemas

And last but not least, we have the Outdoor cinema, a firm summer favourite to all those who have experienced it. Living in Africa we have the benefit of hot summer nights, so what better way of taking advantage of this than by watching a movie under the stars. The Outdoor cinema scene has come alive in recent years. In Johannesburg this market has flourished under the independent Cinema The Bioscope and in Cape Town, by Galileo Open Air Cinema which hosts three movie nights a week during the summer months (weather depending) at Hillcrest quarry in Durbanville, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Newlands and the V&A Waterfront. This is definitely a must do this summer, a truly spectacular cinema experience.

This sums up our favourite alternative cinema experiences, and we do hope that this helps you rediscover your love for the movies again.