On January 17, GrandWest will officially launch its CineCentre cinema with an exclusive pre-screening of Bad Boys for Life. The launch is noteworthy because of the CineCentre’s link to the historically significant Avalon cinema.
The CineCentre multiplex is owned by the Avalon Group, whose first cinema, The Avalon, opened in District Six 80 years ago. Until the forced removals took place, the cinema was an important part of the area and was a common gathering spot for members of the community.
Prior to the Group Areas Act, which uprooted the community and led to the destruction of the cinema, the Avalon was well-loved and well-used. Not only was the Avalon a space for recreation, where residents would come to catch the latest movies, it was also a venue for assembly. It hosted many a community event, including meetings and public addresses of anti-apartheid movements.
“We are looking forward to the official launch of this iconic cinema at GrandWest,” says Elouise Matthys, the PR and Promotions Manager at GrandWest. “The cinema has all the latest features and we’re proud to host it at GrandWest.”
The CineCentre is fitted with reclining leather seats. There are also brand new screens and state-of-the-art digital projectors, not to mention the complete surround sound.
The launch is an opportunity to be the first to experience the cinema and to be of the first people to see Bad Boys for Life, the third movie in the Bad Boys franchise starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.
Picture: Supplied