The Popcorn Club

So what do you get when you combine a starry night, a feel good movie, homemade pizza, a bottle of wine and great company? You get the perfect night out! And it was all made possible by the Bloemfontein Popcorn club.

I sent through an email stating I'd like tickets. And the friendly Jeanne-Marie replied soon after requesting I fill out their online digital form. The order form was user friendly and easy to fill out, it required basic information such as your name and email address. The form also acts as a tool to inform the organisers of your dietary preferences and any possible allergies.

I have to admit that I loved how efficient and quick the whole process of ordering and confirming payment was.

I was chuffed to learn that the movie chosen for the night would be the nostalgia inducing adventure dramady, “The Bucket List”. And few things are as exciting and magical as spending an evening underneath the night sky watching a firm favourite, with friends who seemed to have the inability to keep their loud cackling and toddler-esque giggles to a minimum.  

Let’s be honest, there’s a certain level of satisfaction that cannot be achieved by anything else than watching a movie under the night sky, picnic style, while sipping on good wine. But what makes it all that more special is the unique way in which you experience the movie. Rather than the usual surround sound found in cinemas, each person has their own pair of wireless headsets that can be changed to either a music channel or over to the audio of the movie playing on the screen. And each person is able to adjust the volume level to his/her own comfort. And that’s why this is known as a silent movie… not to be confused with the grainy black and white movies from the 1920's that your great grandparents found oh so exciting and innovative! But rather one listens to the audio for the movie through the headphones that have been provided by the club. Meaning that should anyone walk in to the garden where the movie is being premiered, they would be able to see the visuals for the movie but they would not be able to hear the audio until they receive headphones. Hence the name “silent movie”.

The venue is tucked away in the quiet northern suburbs, at Arista Guesthouse. As soon as you walk towards the backyard you are immediately hit with the smell of fresh popcorn, as your eyes take in the flashing colours from the headphones and you are greeted by the friendly staff. Excitement starts to bubble up as you realise what a unique event you are attending! And an added benefit is that you can enjoy the movie in peace knowing that the movie night, in no way disturbs the peace of the surrounding neighbours.

The whole experience would make for a perfect date night.. Or a family outing… Perhaps a girls night out… Maybe even a night on your own to destress. What I'm getting at, is that no matter who you go with or for what reason, a night spent with the popcorn club will never be regrettable one.

Let's keep exploring!

Kat