(The Post News)- After an unchanging year, South African cinemas are expecting a blockbuster-filled end to 2024 and a strong start to 2025. Major releases delayed by the 2023 Hollywood scriptwriters’ and actors’ strikes are finally arriving, boosting ticket sales.
Ster-Kinekor and CineCentre, two prominent cinema chains, are optimistic about the festive season. Blockbusters like Venom, Gladiator 2, and Sonic 3, alongside Bollywood films, will captivate diverse audiences. This lineup promises higher ticket sales and larger audience numbers, surpassing last year’s festive season offerings.
According to the Market Research Foundation’s MAPS data (2021-2023), approximately 619,000 South Africans frequent cinemas every 2-3 months. This statistic highlights the significant demand for cinema entertainment in the country.
To attract more viewers, Ster-Kinekor has launched its Throwback Cinema campaign, featuring iconic films at R50 per ticket, including family classics and critically acclaimed movies. CineCentre has enhanced its rewards program through partnerships, offering discounts on everyday essentials. Customers can receive up to R1,170 in rewards with each movie ticket and nearly R2,000 with refreshment purchases.
The cinema industry faced significant challenges post-Covid-19 lockdowns and load-shedding. “Last year, despite miraculous periods of no load-shedding, we probably had the most intense period of load-shedding between April and September of last year, and that impacts consumer behaviour,” Ster-Kinekor CEO Mark Sardi said.
Despite these challenges, industry experts predict growth. “The sector is poised for recovery,” says Ster-Kinekor CMO Lynne Wylie. CineCentre CEO AB Moosa echoes this optimism. With competitive pricing, deals, and rewards programs, cinemas aim to regain lost ground.
Statistics show that 619,000 South Africans regularly visit cinemas, but with only 2% cinema penetration in South Africa. The average cinema outing costs R433.69. Meanwhile, 2 million respondents prefer Ster-Kinekor, and 818,000 prefer Nu Metro.
With blockbuster releases and unbeatable deals, South Africa’s cinemas are poised to reignite the movie magic. Secure your seat.
About the Author
Discover more from The Post News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
