Kumram Bheem Asifabad gets its first theatre in 30 years, operated by women

When the Department of Rural Development and Administration (DRDA) and the Society for the Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) discussed the possibility of opening a movie theatre in the district, they were hesitant because of the finances the project requires.

By Sruthi Kuruganti

Hyderabad: Imagine travelling two hours just to have a theatrical experience! That is exactly what people of Kumram Bheem Asifabad had to do every time they wanted to watch a film. Now, the district has its first theatre, after 30 years. What makes the occasion even special is, the theatre named ‘KB Theatres’ opened quite symbolically on March 8 and is owned by women Self Help Groups (SHGs).

When the Department of Rural Development and Administration (DRDA) and the Society for the Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) discussed the possibility of opening a movie theatre in the district, they were hesitant because of the finances the project requires.

Later, one of the DRDA officials said they were fortunate enough to come across ‘Picture Time,’ the world’s first mobile digital movie theatre, based in Delhi, which agreed to collaborate to build the theatre.

“Making this a business venture with the Zilla Samaikhya , a committee which looks after the SHGs in the district would lead to both development of the district and provide financial aid and employment opportunities to women” the official said.

Sixty per cent of the expenses to set up the theatre were borne by Zilla Samaikhya and the remaining 40 per cent by Picture Time. While the SHG will look after the overall management of the theatre, bringing movies and screening it, Picture Time will take up the responsibility of other technical operations.

Annapurna, President of Zilla Samaikhya, said she was so happy and proud to be associated with this venture and help her district grow.

“There was a small theatre here thirty years ago, but it somehow was closed,” she says. Now, she and several others like her are all set for the new experience.

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