Ster-Kinekor, South Africa’s largest film exhibitor, this past weekend (23-25 May) recorded its biggest ‘out of season’ weekend admissions of 2025. 

“This once again is proof that cinema is alive and well, and that audiences still prefer watching the new release of a blockbuster title on the big screen. It also proves that movie magic is not regulated by the calendar,” says Mark Sardi, chief executive officer of Ster-Kinekor. 

“Leading the weekend charge was the remake of Disney’s heartwarming and high-energy movie Lilo & Stitch, which proved popular with cinema audiences both young and old. The release weekend resulted in the second biggest opening of 2025 by attendances, just behind the blockbuster sensation The Minecraft Movie. It seems the beloved Hawaiian alien adventure has clearly struck a chord with fans old and new.”  

For those movie lovers seeking non-stop action and adventure, their adrenaline-junkie fix was more than satisfied by watching one of the most anticipated releases of the year “The Ethan Hunt fans turned out in their numbers for the launch of  Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning, delivering the biggest action opening of the year across our sites. Tom Cruise’s latest – and most explosive – mission has reminded everyone why this franchise still sets the bar high as a box office powerhouse. And, of course, as it was also Filmed For IMAX®, watching it on the biggest screens across our eight IMAX sites proved to be a weekend highlight,” comments Sardi.  

Adding to the excitement, Ster-Kinekor captured an impressive 58% share of the Mission: Impossible 8 weekend box office, reinforcing its position as a key player in theatrical distribution and a trusted destination for action-packed blockbusters. With such a strong showing this early in the year, 2025 is certainly shaping up to be a thrilling ride for cinema lovers everywhere.   

“In other news, we will be concluding operations at the Cavendish Square cinema complex in Cape Town, with the final day of trading set for 12 June. This change comes as a result of the lease not being renewed.  While this chapter closes, we’re firmly focused on the future and are actively investing in our current cinema complexes to ensure that every visit to watch a movie at one of our Ster-Kinekor theatres delivers a truly exceptional movie-going experience, every time.”  

The Throwback Cinema promotion, where older titles are rescreened with ticket prices set at just R50, continues to prove popular with audiences both young and old, who are appreciating the opportunity to watch these classic films again, or possibly for the first time, on the big screen. The Epic Deal promotion, exclusive to SK Club members (free to sign up), is also contributing to making movies more accessible again, with customers paying just R149.90 for a ticket plus a regular drink and popcorn.   

With a feast of big movie titles releasing over the next few months, fans will be spoilt for choice. Make a date to watch these not-to-be missed films as their directors made them to be viewed – on the big screen:  

• How to Train Your Dragon – 13 June 
• F1 The Movie (also in IMAX) – 27 June 
• Jurassic World Rebirth – 04 July 
• Smurfs – 11 July 
• Superman: Legacy (also in IMAX) – 11 July 
• Fantastic Four: First Steps (also in IMAX) – 25 July 

 “In addition, we’re excited to confirm that we are in the advanced stages of preparing to open cinemas at four commercially attractive sites across the country, and have plans in place for multiple upgrades to some of our current sites. We will also be launching new Kids’ Cinemas and our luxurious Cine Prestige offerings at key sites within the next few months,” says Sardi.