Johannesburg, 5 May 2026: With the introduction of an IMAX with Laser screen at Ster-Kinekor, The Zone @ Rosebank has positioned itself at the forefront of cinema innovation in South Africa. This development is significant not only for the centre but also for filmgoers, as it brings the country’s largest IMAX with Laser experience to market. The launch event featured a screening of Michael, matching the story of the King of Pop with a viewing experience engineered for impact.

IMAX with Laser represents a clear step forward in cinema technology. The format delivers ultra-bright, crystal-clear visuals, deeper blacks and heightened contrast, bringing a new level of detail to every scene. A precision-tuned, multi-channel sound system ensures that every layer of audio carries weight and clarity, from subtle background notes to full cinematic crescendos. The scale matches the technology, with a 17-metre wide, 9.7-metre-high screen and 285 seats configured to optimise seat to screen ratios, creating an experience that immerses audiences in the movie.

IMAX with Laser technology also offers a next-generation 4K laser projection and an enhanced multi-channel sound system exclusive to IMAX theatres. Immersive by design, the technology is developed from the ground up to deliver crystal clear, lifelike images. The experience is set apart by a ground-breaking 4k laser projection system that features a new optical engine, custom-designed lenses, and a suite of proprietary technology that delivers brighter images with increased resolution, deeper contrast, and the widest range of colours exclusively to IMAX screens.

“IMAX with Laser has changed the game for cinema in Johannesburg. It’s bigger, sharper and wonderfully immersive. It also gives people a whole new reason to come through to The Zone, the social republic of Johannesburg, where there’s always something happening,” said Leila Daya, Centre Manager at The Zone @ Rosebank.

This Ster-Kinekor complex also includes a dedicated kids’ cinema, designed to create a more engaging environment for younger audiences, alongside two Cine Prestige cinemas, which offer a luxurious setting to enjoy a film.

Beyond the cinema experience, The Zone offers plenty of ways for families to have fun. The Museum of Illusions offers interactive, perception-shifting exhibits, while The Fun Company keeps the energy high with arcade gaming and interactive entertainment. A wide selection of restaurants throughout the centre makes it easy to extend a visit with a delicious meal. Plus, its position adjacent to the Rosebank Gautrain station adds a level of convenience that makes the experience all the more accessible.

For further details on The Zone @ Rosebank, including its stores, events, and trading hours, visit thezoneatrosebank.co.za

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Pretoria, 2 September 2025: The Grove Mall hosted the premiere of the feature film My f*k, Marelize! Last week, bringing together cast, celebrities and film enthusiasts for an evening that placed local cinema firmly in the spotlight. The film tells the story behind the viral moment that captured worldwide attention when a young Namibian woman, Marelize Horn, crashed her bicycle into a rugby goalpost and her mother’s exclamation instantly became part of pop culture. What started as internet humour has now been reimagined as a feature film exploring resilience, family ties and the humour in everyday life.

Set in Windhoek and framed by the colour of the WIKA carnival, the movie follows Marelize as she struggles to master the bicycle and prepare for her future abroad, while her mother, Heidi, hides a difficult truth from the family. In attendance at the premiere were Je-ani Swiegelaar, who plays Heidi Horn; Zandelle Meyer as Marelize Horn; Nichola Viviers as Wilmari Horn; and Chanél Muller as Annelise. Director Zandré Coetzer also joined the event, together with Len Muller, who wrote and performed the film’s theme song.

A Night of Stars

Well-known personalities Nadia Beukes, Revan Luus, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Vasti Spiller, Tamlyn Wessels, Willem Botha, Demi-Lee Moore and Lee Scott were among the guests who joined the celebrations. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to meet the cast, capture photo moments and share in the festive atmosphere. Darling Brew and Six Dogs Gin added to the occasion with a selection of drinks, including a dedicated gin bar.

Reactions to the film were overwhelmingly positive, with guests calling it “hilarious” and “emotional” and exclaiming, “Wow, so cool.” The mix of heartfelt storytelling and humour resonated strongly with the audience, marking the film as a significant moment for Namibian cinema.

Julie-Anne Claassen, General Manager at The Grove Mall, said: “It was a privilege to host the premiere of My f*k, Marelize! and to support such an authentic local production. The turnout and energy on the night reflected just how much this story means to audiences, and we are proud to have played a part in its celebration.”

The film My f*k, Marelize! Is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

For more information on The Grove Mall, its stores and projects, visit thegrovemall.co.za or follow the centre on social media @TheGroveMallSA.

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18 August 2025: – If you are looking to grow your social media following, ensure your posts hit the target market or want to build a career as an influencer, your nearest Ster-Kinekor cinema could have all the answers. You might not consider this to be the obvious destination, but a new four-part educational series from Ûle Creative, Your Path to Viral, is bringing social media’s biggest secrets to the big screen. The series will be showing exclusively at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas across South Africa and at its cinemas in Namibia and Zambia.

“Your Path to Viral is your ultimate guide to building a powerful online presence. From content creation tips to proven audience-growth strategies, I will share my first-hand experience of turning a passion into a profitable career,” says Wian Van Den Berg, or Wian the Magician, as he is more popularly known. Designed for influencers, aspiring creators, digital agencies, and marketing teams, the series also breaks down the strategies behind successful viral campaigns – and, with a following of more than 29,4 million and 315 million likes, Wian knows a thing or two about creating engaging content that can be monetised.

The four-part masterclass series kicks off with an exclusive red-carpet premiere at Ster-Kinekor The Grove in Tshwane on Wednesday, 27 August at 20:00, with Wian the Magician – one of South Africa’s most-followed creators – in attendance. Tickets for this premiere event are R450, giving fans the chance to meet Wian in person and be among the first to view Episode 1 of his series. A number of other sites will also screen Episode 1 at 20:00 on 27 August, without the interactive element.

After the premiere, each of the four episodes will play out on the big screen over a four-week period. Episode 1 is available from 28 August to 02 September, screening daily at 14:30 and 20:00 at all participating sites.

Episodes 2 to 4 will drop on 03, 10, and 17 September, respectively, when cinema audiences will be able to connect with Wian via a Live Chat feature, bringing an interactive element and the opportunity to experience real-time conversations alongside the screening.

“We are excited to be bringing this original education series to our cinemas, with the interactive chat element bringing a whole new dynamic to the viewing and learning experience. From your feed to the big screen, this original masterclass series is your chance to learn from one of the country’s best – and take your content creation to the next level. We look forward to seeing what you do with it,”  says Lynne Wylie, chief marketing officer at Ster-Kinekor.

Your Path to Viral will be showing at all Ster-Kinekor cinemas countrywide that are fitted with WiFi. Tickets for regular screenings of the four episodes, from 28 August to 17 September, are R250 (NAD250 in Namibia and ZMW250 in Zambia).

For more information and to book, logon to the new-look Ster-Kinekor website at sterkinekor.com or download the new and improved SK App on your smartphone.  For news and updates, go to Facebook: Ster-Kinekor Theatres | follow Ster-Kinekor on Twitter: @Ster-Kinekor. For all queries, call Ticketline on 0861-Movies (668 437).

The post Your Path To Viral Debuts At Ster-Kinekor appeared first on Alt News Network.

01 August 2025 – As winter lingers across South Africa, there’s no better time to embrace nostalgic storytelling than through the lens of cinema. Throwback Cinema returns this August to select Ster-Kinekor theatres, offering classic films on the big screen for just R50 per ticket — a rare opportunity to revisit cinematic gems at a fraction of today’s cost.

Each film in the Throwback Cinema series runs for one week, from Friday to Thursday, giving moviegoers a chance to experience or re-experience iconic stories that span genres and generations — from emotional dramas to gripping thrillers and charming romances.

01 August – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Directed by: David Fincher
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond

This 2008 drama explores the life of Benjamin Button, a man born old who ages in reverse. As Benjamin moves through a life defined by emotional highs and lows, love, heartbreak, and death, we are reminded that life is measured not in minutes, but in moments.

08 August – Casino

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods

The glitter of Las Vegas conceals a darker underworld in this 1995 crime epic. Sam ‘Ace’ Rothstein runs a top-tier casino, but internal tensions, betrayal, and corruption threaten to destroy it all. A cinematic exploration of power, greed, and inevitable downfall.

15 August – Chocolat

Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina

A feel-good tale set in 1959 France. When a mysterious woman opens a chocolate shop during Lent, the town’s repressed residents are drawn into a world of indulgence and change. A beautiful story about acceptance, passion, and defying conformity.

22 August – Desperado

Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Joaquim de Almeida, Cheech Marin, Steve Buscemi

A guitar case full of guns and a mission of vengeance. Desperado sees the return of El Mariachi, a lone gunman with unfinished business. This 1995 contemporary Western is soaked in style, suspense, and explosive action.

29 August – Casino Royale

Directed by: Martin Campbell
Starring: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench, Mads Mikkelsen

Daniel Craig’s debut as James Bond in this 2006 reboot brings grit and intensity to 007’s origin story. With high-stakes poker, terrorism, and betrayal at its core, Casino Royale reshapes the Bond legacy for a new era

Where To Watch

Throwback Cinema screens at select Ster-Kinekor venues including:
Johannesburg – Sandton, Mall of Africa, Eastgate, Cresta, Rosebank Nouveau
Tshwane – Irene, The Grove
Vanderbijlpark – Vaal
Potchefstroom – Mooirivier
KwaZulu-Natal – Shelly Beach
Gqeberha – Baywest
Somerset West – Somerset Mall
Cape Town – Blue Route, V&A Waterfront, Capegate, Tygervalley

Tickets are only R50 per person. Book via the revamped Ster-Kinekor website or download the new SK App. For updates, follow Ster-Kinekor Theatres on Facebook and @SterKinekor on X. For queries, call 0861-Movies (668 437).

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