The digital cinema solutions of market leader Barco are increasingly finding their way to the African continent. Just last December, Barco announced the installation of 111 digital cinema projectors at the Nu Metro theaters in South Africa. Silverbird, West Africa’s largest cinema chain, and Ozone Cinemas have now taken the step to digital cinema too. Both cinema exhibitors selected Barco’s digital cinema projectors, servers, 3D systems and Theater Management Systems, which are being installed by CineTech Middle East JLT. Silverbird Cinemas, a division of the leading SilverBird entertainment group, was the very first company to open a multiplex cinema in Nigeria, back in 2004. The company has expanded its number of cinemas and upgraded its technology ever since. With over 50 screens, spread across cinemas in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Uyo (Nigeria) and in Accra and Weija (Ghana), Silverbird is the largest theater chain in sub-Saharan Africa. To offer the Nigerians and Ghanaians a world-class cinema experience, the group installed its very first 3D theater in 2011. Earlier this year, it decided to go all-digital: by this summer, all Silverbird theaters will be equipped with Barco’s digital cinema projectors.
Meeting international standards The four-screen Ozone Cinemas on the mainland of Lagos, Nigeria, is just as committed to offering an exceptional cinema experience as Silverbird is. Established in 2008 after ample research into the needs and wants of US cinemagoers, Ozone is much appreciated for its comfortable auditoria and innovative cinema technology. The exhibitor has now replaced its four 35mm projectors with Barco’s digital cinema solutions in the space of just a week.
Leading-edge projection quality CineTech Middle East JLT, the leading cinema supplier and technical support company in the Middle East, is in charge of both digital transitions. “CineTech Middle East JLT has vast experience in the cinema industry. They provided us with professional solutions to meet our requirements, helping us save significant time and money,” says Roy Murray Bruce, Silverbird’s Group President. “We are extremely delighted to be working with them and Barco to bring leading-edge projection quality and service to our movie theaters. We are confident they will help us create the ultimate viewing experience for our customers and affirm our position as the number one entertainment hub in the country.”
About Silverbird Cinemas
Silverbird Cinemas is part of the larger Silverbird Group - a diversified multi-media company with holdings in Radio, Television, Real Estate, and Cinemas. Silverbird Cinemas is currently the largest cinema chain in West Africa with more than 50 screens in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Accra, Ghana.
About Ozone Cinemas
Established in 2008 by the Domino Group, Ozone Cinemas was the first multiplex cinema to be built on the mainland of Lagos, Nigeria. Designed to international standards, the cinema hosts four theaters, offering 619 seats.