Undying love for film

CELEBRATION: JOHANNESBURG'S BIOSCOPE SET TO MARK 15 YEARS

- Hein Kaiser

Independent cinema in South Africa has a wonderful history. Many years ago, in Hillbrow, the Mini Cine screened flicks that ranged from the bizarre to the sublime.

The 7 Arts in Norwood was an absolute institution, and today, still, the Labia in Cape Town celebrates celluloid art. In Joburg, the Bioscope at 44 Stanley marks 15 years of movies this year.

There is something special about The Bioscope.

Its wooden decked lobby, the memorabilia gift shop and the car-seat rowed theatre.

It is artsy, but accessible. And nothing could temper co-founder Russel Grant's passion for the movies. It is thrilling to be in his company and Grant's love for film is as infectious as the smell of fresh popcorn.

It all started at film school, in class. Fellow founder Darryl Els wrote a thesis on the question whether independent cinema would cut it commercially in Joburg. Grant was not just intrigued, he was sold.

Test screenings were held at Wits, and the pair soon found themselves caught up in something that snowballed.