Cape Town has found new ways to support and celebrate its local film industry. The City of Cape Town and the organizers of the annual Silwerskerm Film Festival have collaborated to bring free film screenings to various communities in a sustainable way.
Sunshine Cinema, a South African film project, has introduced eco-friendly screening venues using mobile, solar-powered cinemas. These will be set up in Hangberg, Ravensmead, and Bo-Kaap, providing free access to premieres during the festival.
The first screening was presented as a special treat for residents at the Hangberg Recreational Centre on August 18, 2023. It featured the 2022 Silwerskerm Film Festival premiere, “Down So Long,” set in Hangberg and featuring a cast from the local fishing community.
The romantic comedy “Frankie and Felipé” will make its second debut at the Ravensmead Civic Centre on August 23, 2023. The film stars the late Binnelanders actor Bradley Olivier and actor/comedian Solomon Cupido.
The final community solar-powered screening will take place on August 25, 2023, at Schotsche Kloof Hall in the Bo-Kaap. It will feature the festival’s other film premiere, “Old Righteous Blues,” with cast members attending these events on a first-come, first-served basis.
This initiative exemplifies the City of Cape Town’s ongoing commitment to the film industry, which plays a significant role in job creation and bolstering the local economy. During the 2022/2023 financial year, the City Film Permit office approved 3,910 film permits out of 9,301 film permit applications, showcasing Cape Town’s appeal as a destination for filmmakers.
The 2023 Silwerskerm Film Festival not only showcases several new local full-length features but also premieres 15 short films from various genres. The festival has become known for exhibiting brand-new Afrikaans films and nurturing the local film industry.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will also include sneak peeks of upcoming television entertainment. Attendees can expect a diverse selection, including pilot episodes of three thrilling small-screen series – “Juffrou X,” “Die Brug,” and “Spinners.”
To further enrich the event, the festival lineup includes a collection of mini-documentaries. This inclusion stems from a festival development project in a genre that is gaining worldwide popularity.
The solar-powered screenings initiative in Cape Town celebrates the convergence of sustainability, creativity, and community outreach. These events promote positive change by raising awareness of environmentally friendly practices and inspiring future generations of filmmakers.
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