Ster-Kinekor Bounces Back: New Cinemas, Upgrades, and Big Screen Magic in South Africa

After a tough few years navigating Hollywood strikes, load-shedding, and restructuring, Ster-Kinekor is making a strong comeback in 2025—proving that South Africans still love the magic of the big screen.

According to CEO Mark Sardi, the country’s largest cinema chain is in the final stages of opening four new cinema locations, with plans to upgrade existing theatres and introduce Kids’ Cinemas and Cine Prestige experiences at select sites. These moves aim to make cinema-going more immersive and family-friendly than ever before.

A Blockbuster Weekend Signals Recovery

From 23 to 25 May 2025, Ster-Kinekor reported its biggest “out-of-season” weekend admissions for the year—clear proof that local moviegoers are returning to theatres.

“The excitement around Disney’s Lilo & Stitch remake drew in both young and nostalgic audiences,” said Sardi. “It was the second biggest opening of 2025, just behind The Minecraft Movie.”

The weekend also saw an explosive debut of Mission: Impossible — Final Reckoning, which delivered the biggest action opening of the year at Ster-Kinekor locations—especially at IMAX screens across the country.

Ster-Kinekor captured a 58% share of the Mission: Impossible 8 weekend box office, showing its dominance in South Africa’s cinema space.

Looking Ahead: More Movies, More Deals

The cinema chain is doubling down on keeping audiences engaged through ongoing promotions like Throwback Cinema, which offers classic films at just R50, and the Epic Deal for Club members (movie ticket + drink + popcorn for R149.90).

Upcoming film releases that are sure to pack theatres include:

• How to Train Your Dragon – 13 June

• F1 The Movie (IMAX) – 27 June

• Jurassic World Rebirth – 4 July

• Smurfs – 11 July

• Superman: Legacy (IMAX) – 11 July

• Fantastic Four: First Steps (IMAX) – 25 July

With such a stellar lineup, Ster-Kinekor is poised to keep the momentum going.

Weathering the Storm

Just a year ago, Ster-Kinekor was grappling with tough choices. The global production halt caused by Hollywood strikes delayed key film releases and forced the company into cost-cutting mode.

In April 2024, Ster-Kinekor began a restructuring process, issuing Section 189 notices and considering the closure of up to nine sites. However, thanks to strategic planning, only two cinemas were closed (Greenstone Mall and Boardwalk in Richards Bay), and just 52 employees were retrenched—far fewer than the initial estimate of 226.

Sardi said the company continues to work with landlords and partners on reimagining some sites with educational and entertainment solutions.

A New Chapter for Movie Lovers

With new sites, better experiences, and exciting titles on the way, Ster-Kinekor is redefining what a trip to the movies looks like in South Africa. From massive IMAX adventures to family-friendly showings and nostalgic reruns, there’s something for everyone.

As Sardi puts it: “Cinema is still alive and well in South Africa—and we’re just getting started.”

{Source: My Broad Band}

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