The Bioscope Independent Cinema Archives - Nowhere to go? Know where to go!

Dlala Nje

Dlala Nje is a dedicated NGO, working to change hearts and minds. The organisation supports underprivileged youth at their community centre in Hillbrow, through changing perceptions about what it means to live and play in the inner city. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions, Dlala Nje have had to halt all of their walking tours, rooftop yoga and sundowner events. As a result, they are struggling to maintain operational costs and keep the community centre afloat.

Help support this local business by purchasing from a range of experience packages on offer to enjoy after lockdown. These packages include Dlala Nje's Urban Hike and Queer Hillbrow experiences. If you purchase one package now, you will get another free to enjoy once this dystopian nightmare has come to an end. Don't miss out!

Purchase your experience package here.

Soweto Backpackers

Have you always wanted to go on a bicycle tour of Orlando? Lebo's Soweto Backpackers welcome visitors from around the city (and the world), to their backpackers lodge and exhilarating tours around Soweto year round. Over the last five weeks under lockdown, this has been impossible and like most local businesses, Lebo's Soweto Backpackers will need your help to survive.

Help keep Lebo's Soweto Backpackers going through lockdown and beyond by purchasing an experience package, valid for a whole year! Many of their tours have been discounted by up to 20%, so you can save a few pennies while still helping a local business. We like the sound of their two-hour bike ride through Soweto followed by a wholesome lunch. Here are the other experiences on offer for post-lockdown:

Tuk Tuk tour
Food & Cooking tour
Potjiekos buffet

Get booking now!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-eu0TVDIJz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Bioscope Independent Cinema

Shortly before lockdown was implemented, The Bioscope Independent Cinema announced big news - they will be moving out of Maboneng and into the 44 Stanley complex in Milpark! This move was intended to offer faithful Bioscope audiences a greater variety of events and more space to enjoy world-class independent cinema. While we may not be able to enjoy this space for some time, you can help keep The Bioscope running from behind the scenes by purchasing one of their new benefit packages:

Popcorn Benefit (R500 per person) – Complimentary and bottomless popcorn every time you visit The Bioscope in 2020, your name on the Friends Of The Bioscope plaque and automatic sign-up to The Cine Society club.
Ticket Benefit (R1500 per person) – Complimentary access into ANY public screening in 2020 (subject to booking ahead via email). Complimentary and bottomless popcorn every time you visit The Bioscope in 2020, your name on the Friends Of The Bioscope plaque and automatic sign-up to The Cine Society club.
Private Party Benefit (R3000) – For individuals and companies. This ticket gets you exclusive use of the cinema room for your own screening event! This will be for a date and time agreed upon in writing over email and gets you two hours in the cinema room. During this event, The Bioscope will offer all your guests complimentary, bottomless popcorn!

The Bioscope will be selling Benefit Tickets through their online ticketing system. Alternatively, you can contact them via email at [email protected]

Once In Joburg

Joburg's only official 'poshtel' is the place to go for urban adventures on a budget. And, we can't think of any better way to celebrate once lockdown has ended. However, for the time being, Once In Joburg will be functioning as a safe haven for health care workers under the Ubuntu Beds Initiative. They are helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by offering doctors, nurses and stranded travellers a warm bed at night and a safe place to self-isolate.

You can show Once In Joburg just how much you appreciate their efforts by buying an experience package now, to enjoy later. Visit the Once Travel website to find out what experiences they have on offer. You can also donate to the Once Tribe Fund to help support the 57 of the hostel's most vulnerable staff during this time.

Underground Booksellers Tour

Bridge Books is an independent seller of new and second-hand books with a focus on African literature. Their Underground Booksellers Tour is legendary for highlighting the rich literary culture of Johannesburg and showing people that there is more to the inner city than crime and degradation.

You can help support Bridge Books from under lockdown in various ways. The most simple of course, is to pre-order books for delivery after lockdown. However, you can also book your spot for the Underground Booksellers Tour (at half-price!) and their isiZulu classes , which will be taking place online until 29 April 2020.

Bridge Books will furthermore be running a crowdfunding campaign to support their non-profit project called the African Book Trust. Through this initiative, the store has sent thousands of books to rural and township schools and libraries all over the country. However, their focus for 2020 is on their own neighbourhood in the Joburg CBD. This community faces an uphill battle in light of the COVID-19 crisis, and as such Bridge Books are calling on their supporters for help. You can read more about this here.

Joburg Places

Another absolute must-visit Jozi tour is Joburg Places Migrant Cuisine Storytelling Dinner. Guests are treated to a delightful dinner at the Zwipi Underground Bar, before being whisked away on a night-time adventure through the inner city. Seeing as the only midnight expeditions we will be going on in the near future is to the fridge and back to bed, Joburg Places has reached out to their patrons for help.

You can help keep Joburg Places going for the rest of April by purchasing a ticket to a storytelling dinner or walking tour , to be enjoyed at the end of the lockdown period. When you purchase a spot at a future storytelling dinner, you get four seats for the price of three! Alternatively, you can simply buy a Forward Voucher to be redeemed at a later date. Your small contribution will go a long way towards assisting their staff and keeping them afloat until such time that they can resume normal activity. Buy your voucher here.

Do you know of any other local businesses offering experience packages that can be used post-lockdown? Let us know about them!

Indie Cinema In The Heart Of The City

For a decade, The Bioscope Independent Cinema has advertised itself as Joburg's only truly independent cinema. Situated within the heart of the Maboneng Precinct, The Bioscope has offered Jozi film fundis the very best in local and international independent cinema. Not to mention their quirky repurposed car seats and legendary combo boxes, all of which have made a trip to The Bioscope a must on city explorers' bucket lists. The Bioscope has also been the host of many a film festival, promoting student work and independent artists throughout their 10 years in Maboneng.

Now, in celebration of their 10th anniversary, The Bioscope looks to a new future. They recently announced that the cinema will be moving out of Maboneng to a new home - 44 Stanley in Milpark!

Why The Move?

If you have ever visited The Bioscope in Maboneng, you will know that their space is superbly limited. The move to 44 Stanley marks an evolution of the cinema, which will soon be offering bigger and better events, such as private screenings, parties and conferences. The Bioscope will also be able to offer an extended gift shop, where you buy all assortments of trinkets and mementos at their new venue. Their sister company, Little Edish will be setting up shop right next door, too.

Nevertheless, Maboneng remains a special place in the hearts of The Bioscope's founders and fans. That's why their flagship pizza cafe, Chalkboard, will remain at the original venue. So, whenever you find yourself in Mabs with a hankering for good pizza or craft beer, pop by Chalkboard to reminiscence about the good old days of The Bioscope and enjoy a hearty meal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1d47GsDGZb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Lend A Hand

As a result of the national lockdown to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, The Bioscope was unable to host their final screenings at their Maboneng home. The cinema has always relied on their faithful and passionate patrons to see them through tough times, which is why they have introduced the Benefit Ticket system. While you may not be able to purchase tickets to upcoming shows, The Bioscope ask that you buy a Benefit Ticket to help get them through renovations at 44 Stanley in anticipation of your impending arrival. They will also be pioneering their own cinema club, The Cine Society - a platform for organising film meet ups and a way to meet people in your city that enjoy watching films as much as you do! All Benefit Ticket options will include membership to the Cine Society.

Here are the four Benefit Ticket options:

Popcorn Benefit (R500 per person) – Complimentary and bottomless popcorn every time you visit The Bioscope in 2020, your name on the Friends Of The Bioscope plaque, and automatic sign-up to The Cine Society.
Ticket Benefit (R1500 per person) – Complimentary access into ANY public screening in 2020 (subject to booking ahead via email). Complimentary and bottomless popcorn every time you visit The Bioscope in 2020, your name on the Friends Of The Bioscope plaque, and automatic sign-up to The Cine Society.
Company Benefit (R2000) – For organisations and companies. Complimentary access for one member of your company or organisation into ANY public screening in 2020 (subject to booking ahead via email). Complimentary and bottomless popcorn for that one member’s visit, every time they visit The Bioscope in 2020. Your company name on the Friends Of The Bioscope plaque, and the automatic sign up of any willing company members to The Cine Society.
Private Party Benefit (R3000) – For individuals and companies. This ticket gets you exclusive use of the cinema room for your own screening event! This will be for a date and time agreed upon in writing over email and gets you two hours in the cinema room. During this event, The Bioscope will offer all your guests complimentary, bottomless popcorn!

The Bioscope will be selling Benefit Tickets through their online ticketing system. Alternatively, you can contact them via email at [email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Ej0KGjgdq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

For More Information

Visit The Bioscope Independent Cinema website for more information. You can also follow them on Facebook for further updates on their big move and upcoming screenings.

We look forward to seeing you at the new Bioscope Independent Cinema!

What Is It?

A slice of street life in South Africa’s Mdantsane township, known as the boxing Mecca of South Africa, Knuckle City follows the journey of Dudu Nyakama (Bongile Mantsai), a down-and-out, ageing boxer as he struggles to attain the one fight that he believes will uplift his fractured family. Contending that the underbelly of the boxing world is rife with criminality, Dudu unwittingly enlists the help of his reckless but resourceful, gangster brother who’s coming out of jail. Haunted by the ghost of their father, Dudu soon finds that the fight at home is far more challenging than any opponent he can possibly face in the ring.

Join The Bioscope Independent Cinema in Maboneng for special screenings of Knuckle City this March. Hailed as one of the best South African films for 2020, it's a must-see.

When Is It?

Screenings will take place on the following dates:

Saturday, 07 March 2020 at 18:00 and 20:20

Sunday, 08 March 2020 at 19:00

Tuesday, 10 March 2020 at 19:30

Where Is It?

The Bioscope Independent Cinema, 286 Fox Street, Maboneng Precinct, City and Suburban, Johannesburg

How Much Is It?

Tickets cost R60 per person, or R110 per person for a movie ticket and Jack Black Lager Combo (1 large Margarita pizza and 1 440ml Original Brewers lager by Jack Black.)

Book your tickets here.

For more information

Find more information on their website or social media pages:

Facebook - www.facebook.com/thebioscopecinema

Instagram - www.instagram.com/thebioscope

Twitter - twitter.com/bioscopetonight

Details: [email protected] | 087 094 4195

What Is It?

The Bioscope Independent Cinema has yet again partnered with Shorts.TV to bring you a festival of the 2020 Oscar nominated short films. Come and see the filmic mastery before the Academy Awards on Sunday, 09 February 2020. Films from both the live action and animation categories will be screened at The Bioscope over the entire month. Click here to see the programmes for each category.

When Is It?

Friday, 07 February 2020 - Tuesday, 25 February 2020.

Where Is It?

The Bioscope Independent Cinema, 286 Fox Street, Maboneng Precinct, City and Suburban, Johannesburg.

How Much Is It?

Tickets cost R60 per person. Book yours here.

For More Information

Visit The Bioscope's website for more information about the 2020 Oscar Nominated Short Films Festival and other upcoming events.

Details: 087 094 4195 | [email protected]

Alliance Française of Johannesburg - DibuKids

The Alliance Française of Johannesburg is dedicated to preserving and celebrating French culture, language and traditions in South Africa. That's why their DibuKids Club is so cool! Kids of all nationalities are welcome to join, so long as they have an appreciation for all things French. The multimedia library at the institute is filled with Francophile literature, films and music. The DibuKids Club hosts two yearly programmes at the institute, where kids can participate in fun activities and learning experiences. Twice a month on Saturdays, the club invites the little ones to join in on story time, film screenings and games. With different themes for each month, kids are offered a diverse experience of French culture. The club also invites children to participate in film criticism, opening up young minds and allowing them to communicate their ideas.

The best part about the DibuKids Club is that it costs nothing to join, apart from special events. All you have to do is bring the kids along on a Saturday morning at 11:00 to the Alliance Française in Parkwood. You can also follow their Facebook page for updates on events.

Details: 17 Lower Park Drive, Corner Kerry Road, Parkwood, Johannesburg | 011 646 1169 | [email protected]

The Bioscope Independent Cinema

While the Bioscope does not run separate film clubs for kids, as Joburg's only independent cinema, they often host screenings of classic kiddie movies and singalong events for young and old alike. Children may dress up as their favourite character or dress down in their pajamas. Ultimately, it's a super fun experience for young film critics in the making. Kids will also be delighted by the Bioscope's seating - refurbished car chairs make for an imaginative, yet comfortable sit.

The Bioscope frequently hosts rooftop cinema evenings as well, complete with bean bag chairs and 3-D glasses. Bring the kids along for a unique cinematic experience right in the heart of the Maboneng Precinct.

Details: 286 Fox Street, Maboneng, City and Suburban, Johannesburg | 087 094 4195 | [email protected]

SK Club

Ster Kinekor Cinema's film club has been a family favourite for years. After all, who wouldn't want to be able to see more movies with the kids for less? Of course, there are half-price Tuesdays, but becoming an SK Club member offers you so much more. Kiddies can enjoy a bespoke birthday party experience at their favourite Ster Kinekor Cinema along with all their friends. Plus, families of four can cash in on the SK Club advantage by purchasing their tickets with a Standard Bank card. Scoring a 4 for 3 deal, families will be seeing a whole lot more movies than usual.

You can also join the SK Subscription Club, which ensures a limited or unlimited amount of movies per month. The limited option allows you to book four 2D or 3D movies for you and your family a month for a subscription price of *R249. You also get 20% off snacks and may use all four tickets at once, so the whole family can go out for movie night. If that isn't enough to satisfy the hunger for good cinema, then pick the unlimited option. Offering an unlimited amount of movies each month, this subscription is perfect for cinema addicts. Watch up to five movies a day with this card, which costs only *R349 per month per person.

Details: 0861 668 437 | [email protected]

NuMetro Scene Club

NuMetro also has their very own rewards club for you and the kids to join for free. With this card, you start earning points right away - you accumulate 10 points for every R1 spent on tickets or snacks. Once you have acquired enough points, you can spend them on more movie tickets or snacks. You will also be the first to know about upcoming screenings, events and specials at the cinema. Kids as young as 12 may sign up for their own Scene Club Card, with the written consent of a legal guardian, of course. So, even if your teen chooses to leave you behind for a movie night out with their friends, they will be earning points on their purchase. Sign up here.

Your favourite NuMetro Cinema complex is the ideal place for your child's next birthday. More than just your average cinema experience, NuMetro offers VIP recliner seats, a la carte menus designed by expert chefs, cocktails for parents, state of the art audio and projection and 4-D thrills. Use you Scene Club Card to book tickets for your child's birthday party and get discounts on snacks for all their friends.

Details: 0861 246 362 | [email protected]

Do you know of any other film clubs for kids in the city? Let us know about them!

Encounters Festival

The Bioscope Independent Cinema in Maboneng is the official host of the Encounters Documentary Festival. Bringing Joburg film lovers the very best South African and international documentaries, covering a range of topics from music legends to politics and global warming. The Encounters Festival usually takes place at the Bioscope around June each year, taking place over 10 days. Tickets cost an average of *R60 per show.

The Bioscope is also the host of the annual Brazilian and Argentine Film Festivals. As Joburg's only independent cinema venue, The Bioscope is the place to go to see world-class niche films. If you have never visited them, add it to your bucket list as soon as possible.

Details: 286 Fox Street, Maboneng, Johannesburg | 087 094 4195 | [email protected]

WITS Hispanic Film Festival

This past August, the WITS Centre for Mexican Studies hosted their second Hispanic Film Festival. Hoping to spark an interest in Hispanic culture, the Spanish language and cinema from South America in general, the centre screened a number of Argentinian, Mexican and Chilean films. The festival was also open to the public and will hopefully be continued in coming years. Offering Joburg audiences a peek into the South American film canon, from dark political dramas to family comedies, this is definitely one film festival you won't want to miss in future.

Details: WITS University East Campus, Seminar Room, Humanities Graduate Centre, Southwest Engineering Building | [email protected]

Jozi Film Festival

The Jozi Film Festival is Johannesburg's longest-running, multi-genre film festival. Hosting their latest event in October 2019, the Jozi Film Festival was screened in collaboration between Hyde Park NuMetro Cinemas, The Bioscope in Maboneng and Theatre in the Park. Featuring top South African documentaries and films, as well as international features, this three-day festival is an annual must, so keep an eye out for updates on next year's lineup.

Follow them on Facebook for more information.

Joburg Film Festival

Kicking off their third annual event this November, the Joburg Film Festival brings you over 60 global curated films. Partnering with Multichoice, the festival aims to highlight the work of African filmmakers hailing from 16 different countries on the continent. Hosted across six venues in Johannesburg, the festival takes on a Hollywood-type glamour this year. Featuring three programmes over six days, it will culminate in a glamorous awards ceremony in Sandton. The highly-anticipated Amazing Grace, a documentary about the life and music of Aretha Franklin, will also be screened at the festival. Don't miss out!

The Joburg Film Festival takes place from Tuesday, 19 November 2019 - Sunday, 24 November 2019. Click here to see participating venues.

Details: +27 11 328 1600 | [email protected]

European Film Festival

Rounding off a year of superb local and international film festivals is the sixth annual European Film Festival. Hosted by Cinema Nouveau Rosebank, the festival features films from 12 European countries. Most of these titles have been pegged to represent their countries at the 2020 Academy Awards, so they are well worth seeing. Featuring political thrillers, dream-like Expressionist romances and coming of age comedies, the European Film Festival is certain to delight film fundis. Tickets only cost *R67 per show, so make sure you come out to see at least a few.

The European Film Festival opens at Cinema Nouveau Rosebank on Friday, 29 November 2019 and runs until Sunday, 08 December 2019.

Click here to see the full programme.

Details: 078 500 4488 | [email protected]

Do you know of any other film festivals that take place in Johannesburg? Let us know about them!

Great Dane

Where: Great Dane, 5 De Beer Street

The reviews on their Facebook page speak volumes — people truly love this joint. "Great Dane this weekend, friend?" is the set question when you want to hang out in town. Why is it always packed? Because of the vibe, the cool DJs, the cocktails, the quirky decor, we could go on and on. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

Kitchener's

Where: Kitchener's, 71 Juta Street

Kitchener's is one of the oldest bars in Joburg, it has a rocking dance floor and also serves the most amazing burgers. There are so many reasons to go there! Plus, it's got a great atmosphere and is a cool place to catch up with friends and have a few drinks. Visit their Facebook page for more information.

Neighbourgoods Market

Where: Neighbourgoods Market, 73 Juta Street

Here's an inner-city market situated in what was once an office building. It's got a chilled vibe where you can enjoy great music, gourmet food from all over the world and buy fresh produce. Sip wine or craft beer while sitting in the main hall at long tables or enjoy the city views from the upstairs section. Visit this website for more information.

Joziburg Lane, No. One Eloff

Where: 1 Eloff Street, Salisbury Claims

Tucked away in the CBD, people aren't really aware of this beautiful spot. If you're looking for a true African vibe, this is the right place, decorated with Shangaan bags as you enter. Joziburg Lane is an inner-city hotspot that's part of the No. One Eloff building with a food hall, deli, tasting bar and shops to check out. To see what else is available, click here.

The Marabi Club

Where: The Marabi Club, 47 Sivewright Avenue, New Doornfontein

Ever been to New York? The Marabi Club recreates a Big Apple vibe that feels like the real thing. Offering superb food and drinks, the cherry on top is the live jazz performances. The Marabi Club is where the black cultural and intellectual movement flourishes with an outpouring of artistic, literary and musical talent. Come and see for yourself, the night awaits. Visit this website for more information.

The Bioscope Independent Cinema

Where: The Bioscope Independent Cinema, 286 Fox Street, Jeppestown

If you're looking for something different for a movie night, this is the place to check out. The Bioscope is a single-screen picture house with a café and bar, presenting indie and world cinema, plus live music. Sold? Click here for more information.

The Living Room

Where: 5th Floor Main Change Building, 20 Kruger Street, Maboneng Precinct

The Living Room tops the list of places to go in Maboneng. It's ideal for Sunday sundowners, for people who like to escape the busy city and get ready for the week ahead by winding down. Come and enjoy this rooftop bar with good music, great food and a fun vibe. Visit this website for more information.

Pata Pata Restaurant

Where: Pata Pata Restaurant, 286 Fox Street, Jeppestown

"Saguquga sathi bega nantsi Pata Pata." This place is named after Miriam Makeba's famous Pata-Pata song. Come here to listen to great live SA music, eat fairly typical cuisine, couched among easy burgers and salads for the more wary. It's also a popular place among tourists. For more information, click here.

The Third Place

Where: The Third Place, 39 Gwigwi Mrwebi Street, Newtown

If you are around Newtown and are looking for something out of the ordinary, be sure to check this joint out. Here, patrons have the freedom to express themselves socially, artistically, musically and culturally. They define themselves as "the black sheep of the disco scene", a more apt description, we do not have.

The Bannister Hotel

Where: The Bannister Hotel, 9 De Beer St, Braamfontein

If you find yourself in Braamfontein, be sure to check out The Bannister Hotel. This 'home away from home' offers the best of both worlds, fun entertainment and delicious dining. Have a good 'ol party any night of the week and crash at this inner-city hotel.

The Artivist

Where: Artivist, 7 Reserve Street, Braamfontein

The Artivist's popularity has been escalating since its opening. An exciting bar, eatery and gallery, it fills a gap in the market in Braam for those who seek a slightly more mature and upmarket venue. With good food and cocktails on the menu, it appeals to the neighbourhood's young professional crowd. So make sure you come on over! Follow them on the 'Gram for more information.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnLDU5Ml01Y/

Know of any other great hangouts in Joburg CBD? Let us know about them in the comments section below!