Reach audiences where it matters
Africa’s largest solar-powered cinema network, powered by trained youth facilitators delivering campaigns, films, and community dialogue across rural and peri-urban areas of South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
What is Sunshine Cinema?
We are a boots-on-the-ground distribution network. Our trained youth facilitators are skilled in:
- Hosting community events that draw real audiences
- Sparking dialogue that shift mindsets
- Creating micro media entrepreneur gig work from digital marketing
From conservation to misinformation, public health to climate resilience — we partner with brands, NGOs, and government agencies to deliver public service announcements, behaviour change campaigns, and award-winning African films directly to diverse communities.
Why our work matters
Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing young people in Africa today. By training young people to become media entrepreneurs, impact facilitators and active citizens, we empower them to earn an income from gig work and make a difference in their communities. Through showing relevant films to an African audience, we harness the power of storytelling to spark change around important local issues such as: youth unemployment, gender-based violence, conservation and media literacy.
Discover Our Story
Rowan Pybus and Sydelle Willow Smith, filmmakers and anthropologists, created Amazing Grace, a film about Lloyd Maanyina, a Zambian charcoal burner, who began planting trees as a ‘payback’ to nature. However, he was unable to watch this award-winning documentary because of expensive data and airtime, and lack of wifi and cinemas.
This led to the idea of the Sunbox – a mobile solar cinema that reaches local communities. The project gradually expanded to become Sunshine Cinema, a fully-fledged non-profit organisation in 2017. The initiative supports the training and employment of youth from rural and peri-urban areas in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Kenya.
How We Can Help Share Your Story
At Sunshine Cinema, we prioritise purpose over profit when selecting our projects. Our partnerships are with organisations and individuals who share our ethical values and are committed to creating impact. We strive to share stories that inspire audiences globally to engage in positive social change.
Making Headlines
How a South African solar-powered mobile cinema is creating jobs for young people
A South African film initiative, Sunshine Cinema, is creating training and job opportunities for young people, using solar-powered cinemas.
These mobile theatres were developed by husband-and-wife team Rowan Pybus and Sydelle Smith, in 2013.
Meet An Ambassador
OUR COLLABORATORS