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In the late afternoon I set off into town. There are lots of people around, being the forth day of Eid, and the fun-park is busy. As I pass the cinema a young chap I recognise beckons me to come over. Sitting next to him is an older, smartly dressed man who introduces himself as the manager. But I thought Mohammed Ali is the manager? I protest. He laughs, "No, no, no Mohammed my assistant." We chat for a while and sip karkaday. He seems to know I am a teacher from Kordofan University, and generously invites me, anytime I want, to come to the cinema; I shall be very welcome. I tell him I am interested in African cinemas and Sudan is exemplary as many are still open, still showing films, albeit from Bollywood.
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| Arous El Rimal Cinema, El Obied |
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He tells me that the cinemas in Sudan are owned by just three companies. The company that owns the two in El Obied is has cinemas in at least 10 other locations outside Khartoum. The logistics are immense. In times past they used to have two screenings a night but now they're down to one. Ticket prices in dinars are 100 for the cheap seats, 150 in the stalls and 200 to sit up in the balcony. (A bowl of ful in the market costs 100.)I ask if I can see the projection room and take some photographs - oh yes anytime. "How about now?" I suggest. "Now is OK," I get excited, "except the man with the key is not here." "Another time maybe?" I suggest.
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