There’s something about the hush that falls over a darkened cinema, the flicker of light on the screen, the soft rustle of popcorn, that collective intake of breath before the story begins.
It’s a moment that feels timeless. And lately, more and more Joburgers are rediscovering that magic. From the return of old-school classics at Ster-Kinekor to indie gems lighting up The Bioscope, the city’s film lovers are stepping away from their streaming queues and back into the glow of the big screen.
This return to the theatre is about more than movies; it’s about slowing down and being present. In a world that constantly demands our attention, there’s something beautifully analogue about sitting still for two hours, surrendering to a story on the big screen. It’s an escape, but also a homecoming.
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And Joburg has the venues to remind us why it matters. The Bioscope in 44 Stanley remains a cult favourite for cinephiles, showing everything from local documentaries to arthouse treasures. Egrek Cinema in Parkhurst adds a boutique touch with plush seating and curated film selections, while classic multiplexes are also leaning into nostalgia, re-screening the blockbusters that defined decades.
Adding to the cinematic revival is Drive In SA, which has been bringing back that retro movie magic with pop-up drive-in experiences across the city. From rooftop screenings to open-air showings at some of Johannesburg’s most popular locations, these events blend nostalgia with novelty, proof that the appetite for communal, old-school movie moments is stronger than ever.
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Suppose you’re looking to get in on the trend. In that case, Ster-Kinekor’s Throwback Cinema series is running throughout October, a month-long celebration of timeless classics brought back to the big screen. Each film screens for one week only, from Friday to Thursday, with tickets available for just R50, the perfect excuse to revisit those iconic stories the way they were meant to be seen. Expect a line-up filled with magical adventures, iconic romances, thrilling suspense, and edge-of-your-seat action.
Meanwhile, The Bioscope Independent Cinema is hosting the 12th European Film Festival in South Africa, from 9 to 19 October. The festival features ten contemporary films from across Europe, including Denmark, Flanders, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the UK. With powerful characters, striking landscapes, and stories exploring love, identity, family, and belonging, the festival offers a cinematic journey for both the heart and mind, as well as a window into Europe’s evolving cultural identity.
Whether it’s a throwback screening, a European arthouse gem, or the latest blockbuster, cinema endures because it still makes us feel, deeply, collectively, and all at once.
So next time you pass a cinema, step inside. Order the popcorn. Let the lights dim. For a couple of hours, time will stand still, and that’s a kind of magic worth revisiting.
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