In Kampala, the capital of Uganda, business sense and creativity are the driving forces behind a true entertainment industry. In the Schouwberg, two so called 'video halls' give an impression of how people in some parts of Africa see, make and experience films.
Here's what you need: a copy of a slick Hollywood film, a projector in a cheap warehouse and a vj that raps along, translating dialogue for the audience that have paid a small amount to get in. An illegal version of a Hong Kong action movie could be on the programme, or perhaps a Nollywood production (a Nigerian low-budget tv production). The vj translates, gives background information, adds some extra sound effects and gives a critique while you watch. Some vj's are so good that they have built up their own dedicated fan base. The smart ones film their performances and rent them out or sell them via video libraries. A video library contains pirate versions of expensive film productions, with or without 'translation'. What is a commercial phenomenon in Kampala has been converted into artistic African film in Rotterdam.
In the hall of the Schouwberg, a mini performance space has been built, where nine people can fit in at once. Here you can inspect old school pulp films from Zambia, Cameroon and Nigeria. Real Nollywood films with such titles as Snake Girl and Highway to the Grave are shown on a fifteen year old television. Whoever wants to see more recent artistic African productions can go to the first floor, where these films are shown on a state of the art flat screen. In true African style, the programme is displayed daily on a chalk board.
The screen performances run from 6th Feb. The continuous showings begin at 10.00 and admission is free.