Lwazi Nongauza
The Bioscope Yarena showcases Limpopo-based filmmakers and it is breaking records on social media.
Bioscope Yarena, founded by Mashupe Phala and driven by Limpopo citizens, is proving to be a successful enterprise.
The project screenings are done at municipal halls where a large projector is used to create a viewing setup for local audiences.
At Ga Molepo, for example, films such as After Robot by Kabelo Shirinde, I Hurt Her by Sibongile Mothapo and Who Should I Call Him by Larzarous Thema and Setsepu Kgadima are some of the films that were screened by Bioscope Yarena.
In an exclusive interview with Scrolla.Africa, Bioscope Yarena mobile cinema coordinator, Takalani Tshinesa, said they hoped the envisioned national government stimulus funds for arts and culture would have a meaningful impact on Limpopo-based filmmakers.
“The initial plan was to screen 50 films from Limpopo, with films from each district, but the submissions and overwhelming society appetite has led us to expand our initial scope,” said Takalani.
“We know this needs a lot of resources and this is why we are negotiating with a few strategic stakeholders in the hope of finding others who will add meaningful value to our local filmmakers.’’
Bioscope Yarena has created employment for 26 people.
The project has already visited Vhembe Waterberg, Mopani and Sekhukhune, as it journeys across Limpopo.
Takalani said they want to end the sidelining of Limpopo films by existing cinemas.
“More than 75% of Limpopo-based citizens have never been in those cinemas and our local filmmakers don’t have platforms to showcase their films in the province or anywhere else,” he said.
