The 'Bounce' back of cinema: Nu Metro’s bold new era

Some of us remember when going to the cinema was a weekly ritual, weekends with friends, birthdays, or catching the latest Harry Potter, Twilight or Marvel release. Those days slowly faded, first with the rise of streaming and then the pandemic. But despite what people say, cinema isn’t dead.

Nu Metro is on a mission to prove that, with new partnerships, tech upgrades, and smart ways to bring movie lovers back to the big screen.

One of the biggest hurdles? The cost. Movie outings can feel expensive, especially when compared to watching a film at home. But at a recent media day, Nu Metro made a compelling case for affordability.

According to Menen Muthial, Business Analyst at Nu Metro, “Cinema tickets for a family of four are now more affordable than they were in 2019.” Back then, 2D ticket prices averaged around R85 and 3D around R100. Of course, inflation and economic pressures mean spending on outings is still a considered decision. But Nu Metro is betting on value-driven experiences to tip the scales.

What's new at Nu Metro?

Nu Metro now boasts 20 cinema complexes, including new sites in Maputo and Lusaka. Expansion is on the cards with Tygervalley and Mimosa Mall set to launch in 2026. Recent acquisitions include Bedford Square, Gateway, Cavendish, and Riverside.

One of the biggest innovations coming soon is ScreenX—Africa’s first panoramic viewing experience that uses multi-projection to create a 270-degree screen. It’s immersive and exciting, and will debut at Gateway.

Nu Metro new offerings includes gourmet food options. Photo: Supplued

Nu Metro media day at Hyde Park Corner. Photo: Supplied

Food options at Nu Metro. Chicken wings with a side of fried chips. Photo: Supplied

The big Bounce (literally)

The media day’s standout announcement was Nu Metro’s new partnership with Bounce South Africa. Nicolle Weir, CEO of Bounce SA, explained that the collaboration just makes sense. Watch a movie, then head to Bounce to burn off the popcorn energy, kids and families can enjoy climbing walls, trampolines, dodgeball, slam dunk zones and mini arenas for little ones.

The partnership aims to bring a more active, fun-filled experience to the whole family. Interestingly, Bounce Fourways is located near a major competitor, Ster-Kinekor, which might just add a competitive edge.

Parnterships

Nu Metro is working with several rewards programmes to make movie-going more affordable. This includes:

• Nedbank and Absa Rewards – up to 50% off (I’ve used this multiple times, works perfectly).

• Sanlam Reality

• Momentum Multiply

• African Bank

• Vodacom

• Clientele

These partnerships help reduce the cost of tickets and snacks, making the cinema feel accessible again.

A look at local films

There’s been a surge of new South African content, though most of it lands on streaming platforms. There were questions about whether Nu Metro would prioritise local movies, and while it's something they're aiming for, the current slate still leans toward big international releases.

That said, Nu Metro is branching into events like birthday movie parties and immersive 4DX screenings (think: moving seats, water sprays—maybe skip the makeup for those!).

To round off the day, we were treated to a curated lunch menu by Executive Chef David M, who oversees Nu Metro’s gourmet offerings. Think snack burgers, sticky ribs, wings, and gooey brownies—all part of the elevated VIP experience.

Muthial confirmed that Nu Metro has recovered about 70% of its pre-COVID customer base, with many using rewards deals to enjoy the experience at a fraction of the cost.

And yes, I’ll be going back to the cinema, happily. Because this is an industry we still need.