I made my way to Ster Kinekor Cinemas in Bulawayo recently, only to be met with a closed shutter and a notice that read “closed.” My heart sank as I realized that this iconic cinema, which has been a staple of entertainment in the city for years, is no more.

As I spoke to one of the former employees, I was told that the equipment and staff are being relocated to Harare. It’s a move that signals the end of an era for movie lovers in Bulawayo.

So, what could have led to this demise? The answer lies in the rise of digitization and streaming services. With the likes of Netflix, Showmax, Play Afrika, Disney, Apple Tv, Prime, and Movie Box, people can now access the latest movies from the comfort of their own homes. While this may be convenient, it’s a trend that has slowly been killing the cinema experience.

For me, and many others, going to the cinema is more than just watching a movie. It’s an experience that can’t be replicated on a small screen. The big screen, surround sound, and atmosphere of a cinema make movies come alive in a way that streaming services simply can’t.

Ster Kinekor Cinemas in Bulawayo held a special place in my heart. I have many fond memories of watching movies there with my family. Every Tuesday was half-price day, and my wife and I would make it a regular date night. I took my oldest daughter there for her birthday, and we all enjoyed watching the Avengers: Endgame together on the big screen.

The closure of Ster Kinekor Cinemas is not just a loss for movie lovers, but for the city of Bulawayo as a whole. It’s a blow to the local entertainment scene and a reminder that the rise of digitization can have far-reaching consequences.

As I look back on the memories I made at Ster Kinekor Cinemas, I’m reminded of the importance of preserving the cinema experience. While streaming services may be convenient, they can’t replace the magic of watching a movie on the big screen.

Farewell, Ster Kinekor Cinemas. You will be deeply missed.