South African movie lovers have two new reasons to head to the cinema this winter as Ster-Kinekor rolls out exclusive screenings of two locally produced films that celebrate the country’s growing filmmaking talent, Cape {town} Etc reports.
At a time when Hollywood blockbusters continue to dominate cinema schedules, the move offers local audiences an opportunity to experience films that reflect South African history, humour and culture on the big screen.
The Trek
Leading the line-up is The Trek, which opens exclusively at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas on 31 July.
The supernatural thriller transports audiences to 1846, where a group of Dutch-Afrikaans settlers attempt to cross the unforgiving Kalahari Desert to claim land. As hunger, fear and mistrust begin to overwhelm the travellers, mysterious forces lurking in the desert turn their journey into a terrifying fight for survival.
The film stars Morné Visser, Trix Vivier, Rob Van Vuuren and Maurice Carpede.
Before reaching South African audiences, The Trek built an impressive international reputation, earning selections at major film festivals in Shanghai, London and South Korea, while also collecting awards in Portugal and Brazil.
Director Meekaaeel Adam, making his feature directorial debut after establishing himself as an acclaimed cinematographer, said bringing the film home has been especially meaningful.
‘This film belongs to our audience. After seeing this story travel around the world, receiving such warm reception from people of all walks of life, it makes me incredibly proud to share it with a local theatre-going audience back at home.’
– Meekaaeel Adam, Director of The Trek
The film will screen exclusively at Ster-Kinekor‘s Brooklyn, Garden Route Mall, Rosebank Nouveau and V&A Waterfront cinemas.
Crazy Heist
A week later, on 7 August, Ster-Kinekor will debut Crazy Heist, a comedy that leans into one of South Africa’s most recognisable community traditions.
The story follows members of the Jukulyn Stokvel as they prepare for their long-awaited holiday to Hartbeespoort. But mounting debts, relationship drama and a notoriously tight-fisted member placed in charge of the group’s savings quickly throw their plans into chaos.
The comedy promises plenty of recognisable local humour, with situations and personalities that many South Africans are likely to relate to.
Crazy Heist will screen exclusively at Ster-Kinekor cinemas at Mall of the North, Wonderpark, Mall of Africa, Eastgate, Southgate, Rustenburg, Ilanga and Mimosa.
South African productions have enjoyed growing international recognition in recent years, with local filmmakers increasingly earning invitations to prestigious international festivals and collecting awards abroad. Streaming platforms have also introduced global audiences to South African stories, helping build greater interest in local productions.
Despite that success, many filmmakers still say strong local cinema attendance remains essential to sustaining the industry, making theatrical releases like these particularly significant. Lynne Wylie, Ster-Kinekor’s chief marketing officer, said the company remains committed to giving local productions the platform they deserve.
‘South African filmmakers continue to produce exceptional stories that deserve to be experienced on the big screen.’
– Lynne Wylie, Ster-Kinekor chief marketing officer
She added that local films showcase the country’s creativity, culture and diverse voices, while encouraging audiences to support homegrown productions.
With one film offering spine-chilling suspense and the other delivering unmistakably South African laughs, Ster-Kinekor is hoping audiences will embrace stories made closer to home this winter.
Ster-Kinekor bookings and further information are available here.
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Picture: Supplied
