Must See Photos: Taking it back to the good old days (bioscope experience)

Seniors reminiscing on the bioscope days.

July 4, 2017

Janice Beckett 2 minutes read

Senior citizens had a bioscope experience which was held by the Joburg Film Office at the Riverlea Recreational Centre.

Gontse Mmutle, a filmmaker and a producer who has worked locally and internationally explained that they were running a programme with the Joburg Film Office, which is a new entity under the City of Joburg.

The initiative ran over 12 areas in Johannesburg and did not only cater for the elderly but for the youth as well.

“We are also running workshops within the Joburg region especially for the youngsters and aspiring filmmakers to say that there are opportunities within the industry especially with regards to different careers that are available in the industry. It’s an informative workshop with Q&A’s where we share information with them and we give them links on which schools to go to and bursaries,” said Mmutle.

The programme entails the group screening films for the local communities, this falls under ‘audience development’ which promotes communities to support local films. According to Mmutle, the programme was brought to Riverlea because they foresaw that there was a need for the old age or the elders in the community to also appreciate South African movies.

Mmutle said: “They understand the culture of bioscope in the olden days they use to know that on a weekend they going on a date, looking fabulous and go out to the bioscope and get popcorn and yet it’s almost as if we’ve forgotten about them and they the ones who appreciate the culture”.

A non-profit organisation by the name of Agnes Ferley Foundation ran by Leigh Ferley managed to find sponsors for the day.

The seniors were severed with some soup and bread and when they got into the bioscope room they all received crisp and juice which provided the seniors with a complete package.

The movie that was screened was called ‘Hear me move’, it was a dance movie and had local dweller Alfred Ntombela (‘Shorty’) starring in the film.

“We just want to take them back, to have a smile on their face and maybe this week is going to be the most beautiful week for them,” said Mmutle.

Related stories: