Ster-Kinekor Theatres’ Cinema Nouveau is the leading independent and art
cinema in South Africa, showcasing film product from all corners of the earth and
exposing audiences to quality art-house films they would not otherwise have the
opportunity to see.
Says Lola Gallant, Brand Manager of Cinema Nouveau / Ster-Kinekor Select:
“Cinema Nouveau is in the business of creating a rare film experience that is
both unusual and of exceptional quality. We are successful in that we deliver a
film experience that opens minds to new ideas, new worlds and new emotions.
We celebrate the medium of film in its many guises and audiences respond
accordingly.’
Cinema Nouveau screens about 70 to 80 new titles per year, ranging from
foreign language films, independent films – particularly international film festival
winners – “live’ productions such as those of The Met Opera, National Theatre
Live and Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as a range of documentaries,
such as Exhibition: Art on Screen, and bespoke film festivals.
“We are pleased to announce that audiences can continue to enjoy many more
world-class productions from The National Theatre as well as The Metropolitan
Opera,’ continues Gallant.
“We have added to this repertoire with more exclusive live content such as the
release of The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Richard II starring David Tennant.
Viewers can expect to see more from The Royal Shakespeare Company during
2014 with new productions such as Henry IV Part I and II as well as The Two
Gentleman of Verona,’ she says.
Four National Theatre Live productions have been confirmed, including
Coriolanus, starring Tom Hiddleston; War Horse; King Lear, directed by Academy
Award – winner Sam Mendes, and A Small Family Business.
The current Opera season continues until June 2014 and includes Puccini’s La
Boheme and Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte to name a few.
Comments Gallant: “Cinema Nouveau is launching an exciting new initiative, The
Short Film Project, where local filmmakers will be asked to submit an original
short film. If the film is selected, through a judging process, it will be screened as
the “opening act’ to the main feature films showing on our Nouveau circuit.’
Other exciting projects include the Europe Film Festival starting in early May,
featuring content from countries including France, Germany, Austria, Portugal
and Denmark. The festival’s theme will focus on the many “faces’ of love –
including forbidden romance, passion and desire. The Turkish Film Festival runs in
September followed by the Japanese Film Festival in October.
“The Cinema Nouveau Doccie Fest is scheduled to run from 23 May with all titles
exclusive to Cinema Nouveau. Audiences can look forward to a host of great
documentary titles, with a new doccie releasing every week over a period of five
weeks,’ adds Gallant.
In the next few months, Cinema Nouveau will also be hosting Classic Film, which
will bring back famous classics and / or cult films for a limited period, according to
audience demand.
“The films we show are not just about pure escape and entertainment; the films
we release are thought-provoking, stretch the mind and offer food for thought
for our audiences, who enjoy being challenged.
“Our mission, and to ensure ongoing success, is to introduce a younger audience
to this enlightening cinema experience that is original, surprises, challenges and
questions… and is certainly not formulaic,’ concludes Gallant.
