Theatre moviegoing has become a growing culture, even more so in the aftermath of Covid-19. As Rwanda is still recovering from the pandemic, many of us have turned to entertainment to decompress and have fun, and just enjoy ourselves when we still can. 2021 was the year the movie industry all over the world bounced back and gave a great experience, reminding us that we can go on with our lives. In addition to great movies that have hit the box office; theatre movies have been crowded and booked.
"While we have fully absolutely kept our restrictions, those who come to us have a great experience and leave them satisfied.” Said Daniella Umuzaranenge, an intern at Canal Olympia. In times like these when we are still living in the new norm of social distancing, theatre moviegoing brings people back together in an environment that upholds the restrictions and gives them an incredible experience.
Umuzaranenge has witnessed the glowing faces of those that have their 3D experience after the theatre was opened and launched to receive the public. It changes different mindsets and relaxes the public, with popcorn and beverage in hand. The quarantine experience pushed many to resolve in new habits of watching movies, some going to their neighbors, others using their phones. Such theater moviegoing offers an even better experience and within legal boundaries.
Simon Rwema, the Gamemaster at Canal Olympia, mentioned that the turn up has been great, people are still open for theater moviegoing and the only limitation as much as it’s a necessary restriction has been the reduction of attendance to a 50%. Covid-19 has changed in the public and that is why many are open even more to attend movie theaters and the amazing games at Canal Olympia. The 3D experience was alien to many but not anymore especially to understandable amount required to book a seat. Rwema believes that the games and movies offer a unique experience of get-together, and there are escape rooms that offer additional values of teamwork and deep-thinking. The feedback has been positive and encouraging, people come to have fun and acquire knowledge as well.
He strongly recommends that the public come forth and enjoy a rare experience in our country at an affordable price. "Times like these call for such measures of entertainment to offer relaxation and enjoyment to the public with the restrictions in place to protect as well, and so they are still welcome to join us.” He said.
Rebecca Mahoro, a student at the University of Kigali, has become a regular attendee to the theater, the aftermath of Covid- 19 took an emotional toll on her, and so when a friend suggested that they go watch a movie, ‘Eternals’, she was reluctant at first, expecting the normal drills of the pandemic that will occupy her mind and she won’t enjoy herself, but the two-hour-movie and the 3D experience took her mind off her pre-occupations that had become the norm in the post-Covid 19 era.