The magic of the silver screen shone brightly in Johannesburg few nights ago as a glittering cast of A-list celebrities, influencers and media personalities gathered to celebrate the launch of Movie Room, a new 24/7 entertainment channel on DStv Channel 113 dedicated to showcasing a curated line-up of movies for every taste.
Renowned comedian, show host and television personality Mpho Popps welcomed guests to the glamorous event featuring live performances, red-carpet interviews by radio, TV and show host Pamela Mtanga and a formal launch programme, before guests settled into one of three cinemas for a themed menu of action, romance and comedy movies.
Movie Room is the brainchild of the Ngwato Nkosi Group, founders of the highly successful Newzroom Afrika news and information service.
The company, which is a partnership between television entrepreneurs Thabile Ngwato and Thokozani Nkosi, is building on the strong platform created by Newzroom Afrika to expand its entertainment business with the launch of Movie Room.
Ngwato Nkosi Group CEO Thabile Ngwato said Movie Room would provide viewers with more choice to enjoy entertainment for every mood in a curated line-up of local and international movies, carefully selected from the best blockbuster favourites and unforgettable classics.
“From gripping action to side-splitting comedy and stirring romance, there will be options for everyone,” Ngwato said.
“As with Newzroom Afrika, Movie Room will connect with audiences in exciting new ways, and our launch event tonight is a taste of the magic viewers can expect.
“This is a bold next step in our ambition to build an African news and entertainment platform for the future. Newzroom Afrika has shown how we are able to build a loyal audience by putting viewers at the centre of everything we do, and we will use that experience to inform our approach with Movie Room.”
Movie Room’s Head of Channel, Malebo Phage, was also present at the event. He has been in the media industry, mainly in television, for more than 35 years and occupied various positions, from head of news, to channel programming, strategy and stakeholder management across major broadcasters.
“Our team is entrepreneurial by nature, and we have a core group of seasoned and creative talent that sets us apart,” Ngwato said.
Movie Room will go live on Saturday, August 27, from 19h30, with a build up to the 20h30 movie.
