The cultural space, built in an affluent district of Dakar, is the largest by Pathé, the French cinema giant, in West Africa.
By Abdourahmane Diallo
After Tunisia, Pathé, the second oldest cinema company still operating in the world, has set up shop in Dakar.
The French company opened its first cinema complex in the Senegalese capital on Thursday 6 October.
Built on an area of 8000m², this cinema with 7 rooms from 126 to 396 seats, with a 21-metre screen for the largest one, is equipped with an entirely laser projection.
“An ultramodern multiplex at the cutting edge of technology, it aims to become a major player on the Senegalese cultural scene. With 100% laser projection, Dolby sound in all theatres, new concepts and exceptional comfort, it will offer the people of Dakar a high level of service,” said a statement to the press.
According to Moustapha Samb, director of the Pathé Dakar complex, “spectators will be in the same technical conditions as the person in New York”.
As for the programming, “we will show films that Senegalese people like to watch”, said Mr. Samb who said he was “proud” of this project which “will bring a lot to the local film industry”.
Pathé Dakar will offer spectators a wide choice of films of all genres and for all tastes, with Senegalese and African films, the biggest blockbusters, thematic events, animations and shows with Pathé Live.
In addition to a wide range of confectionery and the traditional popcorn factory, a local juice bar and a range of pastries with a Senegalese flavour will help make the new Pathé Dakar cinema a real place of leisure and relaxation with a local touch.
“We want this cinema to be a place where the Senegalese feel at home. It is our ambition to have a place where people can spend wonderful moments together,” said Frédéric Godfroid, Director of African Operations.
Senegal has a long tradition of filmmaking.
Its filmmakers are among the best in the world.
For Mr Godfroid, the land of Teranga was “an obvious destination in terms of the current supply of cinemas but also in terms of the history of the relationship that the Senegalese have with the cinema”.
In addition to showing films, Pathé Dakar aims to broadcast, deferred or live, certain shows that will take place elsewhere in the world.
After Dakar, Abidjan and Casablanca, the economic capitals of Côte d’Ivoire and Morocco respectively, will be the next cities to host Pathé cinemas.
ARD/te/lb/as/APA