At Mobile Cinema Africa, we’ve hosted and supported hundreds of pop-up cinema events, and one thing is clear: when people feel included in the selection process, attendance and engagement soar.
Below, we share practical ideas for choosing the right film and explain how film licensing works for public events.
What to Show: Let Your Audience Lead the Way
The most successful outdoor and pop-up cinema events start with a simple question: “What would our audience love to watch?” Here are fun, proven ways to find out.
🎬 School Screenings: Let the Kids Choose
If you’re hosting a movie night for a school, involve the learners directly:
- Set up a movie suggestion box and let children submit their ideas
- Shortlist age-appropriate films from licensed studios
- Let teachers or student leaders help narrow the final options
This creates excitement before the event and guarantees a packed audience.
🌍 Community & Public Events: Ask the Crowd
For community screenings, neighbourhood events, or fundraisers:
- Ask your local community group for suggestions
- Run a social media poll with 3 film options
- Post options on WhatsApp groups or mailing lists
Giving people a vote builds anticipation and makes them feel invested in the event.
🎥 Host More Than One Event
Instead of choosing just one film, consider hosting multiple screenings with different themes:
- Family Movie Night
- 90s Classics
- Animated Favourites
- Feel-Good Films
- Romantic Comedies under the Stars
Themed movie nights are a great way to build repeat audiences and turn your cinema into a regular event.
Film Licensing for Public Screenings: What You Need to Know
Any time a film is shown outside of a private home — including outdoor cinemas, school events, fundraisers, or community screenings — a public film licence is legally required.
This applies even if:
- Entry is free
- The event is non-profit
- You already own the DVD or streaming subscription
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime do not cover public screenings.
Studios We License Through
Mobile Cinema Africa works with the following major studios:
- Sony Pictures
- 20th Century Fox
- Warner Bros
- Disney
- Pixar
Only films from these studios are eligible for licensing through our process.
Important Licensing Guidelines
Please note the following key rules when planning your screening:
- 🎞 Only films already released on DVD are eligible — films currently showing in cinemas may not be screened at pop-up or outdoor events
- 💰 Budget approximately R2,000 per film licence — this may vary slightly depending on the title and studio
- ⏳ Allow up to two weeks for studio approval — licensing is not instant, so advance planning is essential