New Imax theatre for Cape Gate

Imax's cutting-edge projection system - which delivers crystal-clear images - coupled with its customised theatre design and powerful digital sound system, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the film.

Fans of Imax who are based in Joburg are next in line to enjoy this immersive cinema experience. Ster-Kinekor and Imax have confirmed that a theatre will be installed at the new, revamped Ster-Kinekor site at Eastgate Shopping Mall, in the second half of 2015. This latest deal brings Ster-Kinekor's Imax commitment to four theatres in under two years.

Fiaz Mahomed, CEO of Ster-Kinekor Theatres, said: "Following the successful openings of our first two Imax theatres at Gateway and The Grove, and their ongoing performance since then, we have been assessing a variety of sites for the next Imax theatre. It was always our plan to open an Imax cinema in Cape Town, and Cape Gate was selected as the most feasible venue to accommodate the complex conversion. We believe this new cinema will prove as popular with local cinema audiences as our other two theatres."

A growing appetite for Imax

Representing Imax at the Cape Gate opening will be Giovanni Dolci, VP Theatre Development, EMEA of IMAX Corporation, who said: "It is wonderful to be coming back into South Africa again, and so soon after the launches of both Gateway and The Grove. We are impressed with the success of the first two sites and look forward to this new theatre achieving equally positive results.

"We entered into the initial partnership with Ster-Kinekor last year with the belief that it would not only raise our visibility in South Africa, but also set the stage for mutual growth opportunities in the region. It is encouraging to see that this is already bearing fruit, with the Cape Gate site scheduled to open just six months after The Grove's opening. South Africa was one of a number of new markets that we entered in 2013, and it is clear there is a growing appetite for Imax here. We look forward to working with Ster-Kinekor to further entrench the Imax brand locally."

On Thursday, 11 December, the new Imax theatre at Cape Gate will enjoy its public opening with pre-release screenings of the final film in The Hobbit trilogy, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. As one of the most anticipated films of 2014, it brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and the Company of Dwarves.

"The Imax Experience takes viewing a film to the next level. With films such as The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (releasing nationwide on 12 December), Exodus: Gods and Kings (26 December) and Taken 3 (16 January, 2015) scheduled for Imax release in the next few months, we are looking forward to a busy holiday period that will give Ster-Kinekor a positive push-start into the New Year," concluded Mahomed.

For more information about Ster-Kinekor and IMAX, download the Ster-Kinekor app on any Nokia, Samsung Android, iPhone or BlackBerry smart phone for the latest information and to make bookings. To find out about other offerings and promotions, go to www.sterkinekor.com or follow @sterkinekor on Twitter or on Facebook at Ster-Kinekor Theatres. For queries, contact Ticketline on 0861 Movies (668 437).