Sobukhwe Street Cinema, South Africa
Sobukhwe Street Cinema is a once-monthly film-screening event that is held outside in the Eastern Cape.
Project name: Sobukhwe Street Cinema
Project location: Sobukhwe Street, Old Location, Masizakhe, Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Facebook: GRT Rox
Project description:
Sobukhwe Street Cinema is a once-monthly film-screening event that is held outside in Sobukhwe Street, Masizakhe in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape. Graaff-Reinet is a very small town where very little happens, especially in the creative industries. The only alternative youth in the township have for entertainment is hanging out at shebeens and taverns where everyone congregates over weekends. There is rampant drug use, alcoholism, unemployment and very little opportunities for the local youths to develop themselves.
Goal and purpose of the project:
Graaff-Reinet is a very small town in the Eastern Cape where very little in the form of entertainment happens. Entertainment is most times provided by taverns and shebeens in the form of hosting “street bashes” and having DJ’s come and play music at their venues. There is also the issue of drug abuse which mostly ensnares the young. We are not by any stretch of the imagination see ourselves as panaceas for society’s ills, but involving youth in such projects decreases their chances of being caught up in such.
We also create a space where those interested in film production can learn more about the craft and get information as to where to start, etc. As mentioned previously, a local drama and theatre group has been able to make one of their stage productions into their first film. This is just a beginning for them, and it is just a matter of time before they are film and TV practitioners of the future. And that is one of our aims, inspiring local youths to realise the importance of them telling their own stories.
Motivation of the applicant / applicant team:
We are trying to inspire the youth of Graaff-Reinet and expose them to other opportunities that they might never have been aware of.
Use of prize money:
We will use the money to buy screening equipment as well as running the office.