The pop-up cinema inspiring kids across South Africa to unleash their creativity

There’s something special about going to the cinema. Watching a film with a room full of friends and strangers creates a sense of togetherness. But for people in townships, seeing a movie can require travelling long distances or paying for unaffordable tickets. Nkosinathi Kama, a resident of Khayelitsha, wanted youth in his community to be able to revel in the stories of the silver screen. “The township is filled with so much creativity and culture,” he says. Now, Kama volunteers with Vuma Pop-Up Cinema, the travelling movie theatre that makes films accessible for all. 

Vuma Pop-Up Cinema was started in 2016 with the idea to rent a projector and screen movies free of charge. Today, it’s become one of the most-loved attractions for kids across South Africa. “Being part of the cinema improves their creativity, their abilities, and their aspects of looking at life,” Kama says. “It’s a very exciting experience for them and they really love it.” 

With the help of community venues, Vuma Pop-Up Cinema has shown movies in churches, halls, and even empty parking lots. Queues of children line up to get a front row seat, ready to unleash their imaginations and be inspired. “I just want to help my community and the pop-up cinema is the best way to do that,” Kama says. “Stories always bring people closer together.”