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The oldest independent and only alternative cinema in South Africa, The Labia in Cape Town has a special place in many creatives’ hearts. Just a few weeks ago, architect Robert Silke launched his “gay, architectural mockumentary”, The Satyr of Springbok Heights. Not to mention Design Indaba’s launch of the SOUTH film, directed by Miles Goodall.
This year is a double anniversary for The Labia – 60 years since the doors opened and 20 years as a cinema. To honour the venue’s quaint character and allure, Marcii Goosen’s experiential design agency, Exchange Creative Commerce, turned to the venue’s patrons to create a collaborative celebration.
Over a two-week festival in May, the “I Love the Labia” blog collected personal narratives from patrons, a film festival showed 20 films independently released by the Labia over the years, and the venue displayed the creative calibre of its patrons through the “My Luminary” project.
My Luminary saw a host of recognised creatives associate their work with the venue through slide projectors, light installations, T-shirt designs and posters. Participants included Senyol, Mavuso Mbutuma, Lauren Fowler, Justin Southey, Bridget McNulty, Shaun Michau and many others.
In turn, the birthday night itself included live music from Tonik, Dear John Love Emma, the Simon van Gend band and Stereotypes, as well as a fashion show curated by Cara van Wyk and featuring Cameron Foden, Clive Rundle, Heath Nash, Stiaan Louw, Missibaba and others.
Clearly the heart of a far-reaching community, Royale Eatery got involved by producing a special Labia hamburger, Charlie’s Bakery designed a cake and Evol hosted the after party with a screening of Bad Boy Bubby.
