SterKinekor Theatres says the screening of the acclaimed South African film, Inxeba (The Wound), is going ahead in Cape Town, despite threats of protest action on social media.
The film, set against the isiXhosa culture in the Eastern Cape, was pulled off the circuit on Friday at a cinema complex in Port Elizabeth.
On Friday morning, a group of more than 30 people including traditional leaders, marched to the Hemingways casino complex in East London to protest against the movie’s planned screening.
Protestors are unhappy over the depiction of the ritual custom of initiation. They say the film ridicules the practice.
The head of marketing at SterKinekor Theatres, Lynne Wylie, says they are monitoring the situation in Cape Town and have taken the necessary precautions.
“It must be noted that as an exhibitor SterKinekor is aware of potential protest in relation to the film, Inxeba – The Wound – specifically, we have alerted the local police and more security as a former precaution should any protest take place at our cinemas.”
Traditional leaders’ organisation, Contralesa, has vowed to take the controversial Inxeba film makers to court if they continue with the screening across the country.
Contralesa Secretary Chief Mkanyiseli Dudumayo says they’re calling for a national shutdown.
“If it continues because in all provinces there are marches. So, if it’s continuing we will have to take the option of a legal route, so that we can be protected by the law in this country,” says Dudumayo.
