Local cinema offers residents international fare

The former informal settlement 'Vietnam', where a majority of the inhabitants of Mooiwater used to live, inspired the name Cinema Vietnam. The event is the brainchild of Mzansi (a collective name for new cultural developments in South Africa) and PublicWorx (a local public artworks network). Cinema Vietnam is based on the belief that positive change can be brought about through cultural events, creating spaces for people to meet, to exchange and debate, reflection and inspiration through film and the arts.

Eclectic film selection, local fare

The programme seeks to surprise and inspire the local and visiting audience with an original selection of movies beyond the bounds of genres. This means the screening of quality productions ranging from historical dramas to musicals and documentaries to fantasy, with the intention to entertain, share new and forgotten views, tease at times or challenge fixed perceptions and at best amaze and broaden the audience's horizons.

Among the titles selected are a number of award-winning films such as La Noire de..., Skeem, Fire in Babylon, Pumzi, Bob Marley & the Wailers - Caribbean Nights (also known as The Life and Times of Bob Marley) and Shaka Zulu.

Concept of community cinema

An interval at the half time of the screening gives the audience the chance to mingle, chat or sample local snacks at the stalls on the festive grounds. As a trial for the concept of community cinema, the evenings will be complemented by performances of local artists and DJs before and after the shows; local food and produce will be for sale as well as original local crafts.

For more, go to the Facebook page or the blog, http://cinemavietnam.blogspot.com/