We need a real cinema in Rwanda

Before Nyamirambo chaps stone me for implying that the cinema in that area is not real, let me quickly add that by ‘real’ I mean handy to people all over the country or at least the city.

Thursday, February 16, 2012
Revellers watch a movie at one of Hillywoods inflatable screens. File photo.

Before Nyamirambo chaps stone me for implying that the cinema in that area is not real, let me quickly add that by ‘real’ I mean handy to people all over the country or at least the city.

From what I hear, the cinema in Nyamirambo isn’t our version of the movie theatre in London or Paris, but it is decent enough to leave you bug – free by the time you are done with watching a movie. And that’s good enough for me.

There is just one little problem, not everyone fancies jumping into a car, or taxi to go watch a movie in Nyamirambo.This is why we really need a cinema located at one of these many commercial buildings being set up in town, for example; at Kigali City Towers (KCT).  That seems convenient enough to me.

I suppose it is the un-enthusiastic nature of Rwandans for some of these things that is delaying the course of action because a great movie theater would definitely make the city more entertaining. Right now, all a person can do in the city is shop, have some ice cream or drink coffee!Rwanda has the potential to have a really great theater but for some reason it is taking us ages to get it. With our smooth roads and stress free traffic, going to the cinema should not be a problem.

I don’t think the problem is with the money to build this piece of art as it is with, the fear of putting up something people might never use.I do not think people understand the thrill of watching a movie for the first time in front of a screen so wide that your eyes can’t cover it all. Pimp it up with 3D equipment and it’s a wrap! Movies are a life long thrill. And a zillion years from now (if the world makes it there) people will still be watching movies.It’s one thing to sit in the comfort of your home and watch a movie alone; nothing compares to the experience of watching a great movie with popcorn and a fizzled soda or better, chilled beer, in your hands—its ecstatic.  For people who are into romance, nothing beats the Drive – In. This Drive-In is where instead of chairs, people stay in their cars in a wide open space, watching a movie using a projector screen. So you can watch the movie and enjoy nature at the same time. Trust me; it doesn’t get more romantic than that.In the right place and with the right stuff in it, a cinema is guaranteed to make whoever owns it some money because it is in fact, good business. Fill the place with candy, snacks, soft drinks and ice-cream stalls with walls covered in lively art and great lighting and there you have it. It’s a fun thing to do—not just for an individual but for a family as well seeing as picnics only make people fall asleep. Speaking of fun, nothing spells fun like a cinema. For example, that time when everyone is seriously concentrating on what is going to happen next and another person conveniently decides to receive a phone call then speak as if trying to let the whole world know what he is talking about. Throw popcorn at that one (then make sure he refunds you)…that is the fun in it!Let us make the most of our beautiful city and not give people the satisfaction of calling us backward (just because of a movie theater) because we are so not, backward. Nonetheless, I have hope. After all hope and effort is all we need to liven-up Rwanda.