From high-stakes heists and fishnet-clad chaos to rolling waves and rom-com royalty, The Galileo Open Air Cinema is kicking off the autumn season with an eclectic, sense-awakening mix for all the senses.
Expect edge-of-your-seat intensity with Heat, a glitter-dusted dose of The Rocky Horror Picture Show flair, sea salt-scented storytelling with the Wavescape Surf & Ocean Film Festival, and, of course, a little Rodeo Drive magic with Pretty Woman (this one’s dog-friendly, so your four-legged movie date is welcome too).
So book your spot here, swing by when the doors open, grab your snacks, and soak in golden-hour picnic vibes and lawn games before getting cosy with your fellow film fanatics for movie night, officially beginning after sunset (± 7:45pm).
Here is what’s on the silver screen this week:
4 March: Heat
Heat is a 1995 American crime drama film written and directed by Michael Mann, and features an ensemble cast led by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, with Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight and Val Kilmer in supporting roles.
Master criminal Neil McCauley (De Niro) is trying to control the rogue actions of one of his men, while also planning one last big heist before retiring. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Hanna (Al Pacino) attempts to track down McCauley as he deals with the chaos in his own life, including the infidelity of his wife and the mental health of his stepdaughter.
McCauley and Hanna discover a mutual respect, even as they try to thwart each other’s plans.
- Day: Wednesday
- Location: Kirstenbosch Garden
- Time: Gates open at 5:30pm, and the movie starts at 7:45pm
- Genre: Drama Cop
- Age restriction: 18
- Tickets: Webtickets
5 March: Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 independent musical comedy horror film produced by Lou Adler and Michael White, directed by Jim Sharman, and stars Tim Curry in his debut, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Meat Load, Richard O’Brien and Peter Hinwood.
In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad (Bostwick) and Janet (Sarandon), stuck with a flat tyre during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Curry), a transvestite scientist.
As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker (Loaf) and a creepy butler (O’Brien). Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named ‘Rocky’ (Hinwood)
- Day: Thursday
- Location: Kirstenbosch Garden
- Time: Gates open at 5:30pm, and the movie starts at 7:45pm
- Genre: Musical Rock
- Age restriction: 13 PG
- Tickets: Webtickets
6 March: Wavescape Surf & Ocean Film Festival
Showcasing epic short films from across the globe, Wavescape blends surf culture, conservation and cinematic adventure, making it a must-see event for ocean lovers and movie enthusiasts alike.
This year’s special screening will pay homage to the people and places of Africa, with emphasis on Cape Town. Wavescape goers can expect to be captivated by:
Surf’s Up (For Real): 8 minutes
Before the main feature, settle in for Surf’s Up (For Real) – a beautiful, homegrown short surf documentary that captured a rare and heart-warming surfer–penguin encounter in Cape Town.
The Big Sea: 74 minutes
Pulling back the curtain on surfing’s dirty secret, The Big Sea is an environmental documentary focusing on exposing the toxic reality of neoprene production and its links to Cancer Alley in the US, while also offering hope through natural alternatives that literally grow on trees.
It’s a powerful story about accountability, community, and the change we can create together. A panel discussion will be held after the screening with eminent conservationists, big wave surfers and environmental activists.
- Day: Friday
- Location: Kirstenbosch Garden
- Time: Gates open at 5:30pm, and the movie starts at 7:45pm
- Genre: Surf & Ocean Documentaries
- Age restriction: PG
- Tickets: Webtickets
7 March: Pretty Woman (Dog-friendly Show)
This Saturday is going to the dogs, in the best way possible. This dog-friendly screening invites you and your furry bestie to snuggle up under the stars. Expect lawn games, delicious bites (for both you and your VID – Very Important Dog) and plenty of tail wags.
Simply purchase a VID ticket for R50 (proceeds of which will support African Tails).
Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy film directed by Garry Marshall, and starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
A prostitute and a wealthy businessman fall for one another, forming an unlikely pair.
While on a business trip in Los Angeles, Edward (Gere), who makes a living buying and breaking up companies, picks up a prostitute, Vivian (Roberts), on a lark. After Edward hires Vivian to stay with him for the weekend, the two get closer, only to discover there are significant hurdles to overcome as they try to bridge the gap between their very different worlds.
- Day: Saturday
- Location: Central Park, Century City
- Time: Gates open at 5pm, and the movie starts at 7:45pm
- Genre: Drama
- Age restriction: 13
- Tickets: Webtickets
Also read:
The ultimate guide to a Galileo Open Air Cinema screening in the Cape
Picture: Supplied
