The internet's threat to the cinema industry is well documented, as more people watch DVDs at home, or stream them illegally online. Africa is no different. From piracy blighting Nollywood – the world’s second biggest film industry – to independent cinemas struggling to keep up their equipment up-to–date and their seats filled.

Our partners at the Daily Maverick report that The Labia Theatre – Cape Town’s oldest, much-loved art house cinema – is facing that very problem. Having survived a repressive apartheid regime, political boycotts and ever-changing tastes, the cost of digitising its equipment is presenting the biggest challenge yet.

"If you want to play, you need the equipment," said owner Ludi Kraus. "There is no choice. We’re in the penalty shootout phase." He hopes a crowdfunding project can save the day.

In honour of the Labia and independents like it we want to hear your love letters to African cinema. Why's it so special? What memories do you cherish? And what would you do to protect it?

Maybe it’s a particular cinema you love – photos please. Or a screen in a location you’ll never forget. It can be operational or have seen better days, like Burkina Faso’s Guimbi Theatre sent by a reader called Cineguimbi to a previous GuardianWitness assignment on favourite cinemas.

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