by Heidi Olivier
Remember the old-fashioned bioscope from way back when? The place we used to hang out on a Saturday afternoon with our friends, indulging in ridiculous amounts of popcorn? Well, we've found just the place to bring back that nostalgia, and so much more. If you haven't heard of The Bioscope, you've been missing out on a massive treat. Here's everything you need to know about one of Joburg's most unique cinema experiences.
Joburg’s Independent Cinema
The Bioscope, one of Joburg’s only independent cinemas, has been going strong since 2010. Its focus is on small international films, documentaries, and locally made cinema that would otherwise never see the light of day. If you think movies are where this ends, though, think again. This entertainment venue has so much more to offer, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice by letting it fly under the radar.
What's On?
You'll get to revisit old cult favourites on the big screen again, plus enjoy much-anticipated new releases and foreign films fresh from international film festivals. Some of these are even free! The Bioscope also screens the same films every year on certain days. This may seem odd, but watching Friday the 13th on Friday the 13th is epic. Watching Spaceballs on Star Wars Day (for those not in the know, May the 4th be with you) is a rite of passage.
Loving Vincent on the day Van Gogh passed away (29 July) is another. There's a classic like this every single month of the year! Check out the website for dates, times and info on why these films are screened on these days.
Current & Coming Attractions
Comedy Sundays
Sunday is Fun Day, and you're in for a lekker chuckle. The Bioscope's Stand-up Comedy Sundays sell out quickly, so it's best to book your seat as early as possible. With artists such as Dillan Oliphant, Mbali Gudazi, Robby Collins and other comics featured every week, we're really not surprised this is such a hit.
Cinema Snacking
The food and drink options at The Bioscope Café are unique; you'll find a lot more options than you would at a conventional cinema! With pizza, toasted paninis, and salads on offer, you can knock out the dinner-and-a-movie combo all in one place. They have a full bar, excellent coffee, and, of course, no cinema is a cinema without slush puppies.
Your usual cinema snacks of popcorn and chocolates are complemented by a Paul's Homemade Ice Cream fridge, in case you needed us to sweeten the deal further. Click here to check out the full menu! There are tables in some of the movie houses, too, so no need to worry about having to balance any food on your lap. Movie starting before your food's ready? They'll deliver it to you at your seat.
Venue Hire
Gaming parties, karaoke, birthdays, or parties just because parties are fun, the cinema is for hire. You can also hire out the space for an array of other interesting events:
Corporate Events: The Bioscope has HDMI ports, so you can connect a laptop to those fancy big screens. Plus, they'll handle the catering for you.Private Couples Screenings: This one's perfect for an anniversary or romantic occasion. They'll go out of their way to help you track down a copy of that special film that is meaningful only to you. Premiere YOUR Film: is this not every amateur filmmaker's dream? For a minimal fee, you can premiere your own film to a group of invitees. The cinema is closed to the public, and you can sell your own tickets to make up the costs.
Podcast
The Video Store Podcast imitates a weekly chat amongst friends working a shift at a local video store. The focus is on discussions around new movies, and all that's hip and happening in the South African movie scene. It's a chilled listen, with some very entertaining snippets that you'll find yourself rewinding to every so often.
On occasion, ‘visitors’ pop by the video shop to give their two cents on films that have impacted their lives. Notable media personalities featured include the likes of Pabi Moloi, Gareth Cliff, and Zapiro. Comedians Barry Hilton, Schalk Bezuidenhout, and Vafa Naragh have also ‘stopped by’ for chats that'll leave you in stitches.
Gift Shop
The gift shop is where you'll get to feast your eyes (and distress your wallet!) over all things film-related. You'll find movie merch, memorabilia, LPs, books, and posters here. They also stock a trendy limited edition brand of T-shirts, as well as owner Russel Grant’s clothing line.
Details: 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark | 061 900 4457 | [email protected] | The Bioscope – Independent Cinema, Johannesburg
