Modimolle revives township ‘bioskop’ culture

The age-old pastime of going to the bioscope is being re-invented in Modimolle’s Phagameng township.

Production company, Malaika Media, spearheaded the launch of the public screening on the occasion of the formal launch at Mandela Park on Saturday 4 January.

Modi-Bioskop (sic) attracted scores of locals for the first instalment of the bi-weekly bioscope sessions.

The local film lovers were granted free access to enjoy the Modimolle-produced action movie titled, “Retribution”.

The motion picture is a production put together by the Bra Sox Production studios, headed by producer Edward “Bra Sox” Masingi of Modimolle.

The screenplay’s pre- and post-production was captured in collaboration with Home Based Studio, headed by Philemon Sekalo and Nalian Communications, under the leadership of Samuel Mphafudi.

The actors who were casted in various roles in the short film (30 to 45 minutes) are all from Modimolle.

Masingi said Modi-Bioskop will create a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their talent and creativity.

“The idea has always been there, but we did not have the resources to pull it off. There are many local films that are not shown on television, while some of them have been rejected. We
therefore want to promote them and show them locally,” he said.

Masingi said with the assistance of the government and the business sector, this initiative could grow to an extent that township-based cinemas could be revived.

It was envisaged that going forward tickets would be sold at the public venue, in order to benefit upcoming filmmakers.

“Through this initiative we are encouraging scriptwriters and producers to go and work,” he explained.

Masingi said the initiative also had the potential to keep young people from the streets and taverns.

“We are calling on the business sector to support us to ensure the sustainability of the programme,” he told The BEAT.

— The BEAT