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What independent cinemas bring to Canadian communities

Back to all

What independent cinemas bring to Canadian communities

How to support Canada’s independent cinemas

  1. Executive Summary
  2. What is the independent cinema sector?
  3. Canadian film needs Canadian cinemas
  4. The shift back to theatrical
  5. What independent cinemas bring to Canadian communities
  6. Independents need support with: Cineplex and ‘zones’
  7. Independents need support with: ‘Clean runs’ from studios
  8. Independents need support with: Capacity to grow
  9. Act now: Write a letter to support your favourite independent cinema!
Not Your Average Small Business

Independent cinemas create significant economic impact:

  • Hire staff and create opportunities for professional development
  • Support and screen Canadian film, often including local filmmakers
  • Enhance the streetscape and add tourist value to the community 
  • Work with vendors to maintain their venue, many of which are historic buildings
  • Hold retail space for local artisans
  • Create opportunity for community members to hold their own events

Alexandra Seay, The Regent Theatre, Prince Edward County, ON

In our community, some restaurants and shops explicitly stay open on nights we have live concerts.

qathet Film Society and Patricia Theatre, Powell River, BC

Eleanor Stacey, Nelson Civic Theatre Society, Nelson, BC

The Civic Theatre is the only cinema-primary organization in an area with a population of approximately 20,000 people spanning more than 100km of rural terrain. At times travelling a distance to see a film, patrons often pair their theatre visits with shopping, dinner in restaurants, and at times, overnight hotel stays.

Orpheum Theatre, Estevan, SK
Affordable Access to Art 

Moviegoing is one of the most affordable forms of art and culture that Canadians can participate in. Diversity in venues keeps ticket and concessions prices competitive. Many independents are non-profit organizations and many more offer free events throughout the year. 

Audience review of Cinecenta, Victoria, BC

Very reasonable price, compared to some of the other movie theatres in Victoria. They show only the best movies and plenty of interesting ones too that the other theatres don’t. The snacks are very cheap and they even offer nutritional yeast which is a huge treat.

Cinéma Public, Montréal, QC
Nurturing Local Culture 

Independent cinemas are particularly close to their public. They answer emails, know regulars by name, consider their programming ideas and host their birthday parties. 

Independent cinemas prioritize relationships with local businesses and fellow community organizations, and find ways to collaborate through thoughtful, responsive programming.

Audience review of Cinéma Public, Montreal, QC

La programmation du Cinéma Public doit être visible sur le plus de plateformes possible. Elle est formidable, variée, attentive, loin des blockbusters habituels. De plus, l’endroit est à la fois chaleureux et intime, avec une équipe du tonnerre. Les billets sont à coût modeste, surtout si on se procure en quelques clics la ciné-carte  proposée sur le site web.

The Screening Room, Kingston, ON
Multi-Modal Spaces

Independent cinemas serve as venues for:

  • Large and small film festivals
  • Local filmmakers to premiere their film
  • Music shows, film production, religious gatherings, comedy nights, town halls and more
  • Eventized film screenings with pre- or post-film activities, talks or performances

In a 2022 survey, 100% of surveyed NICE member cinemas reported hosting film festivals in their venues. 

Jocelyn Dougherty, Orpheum Theatre, Estevan, SK

Many of our live artists have asked to return because they enjoy performing at our venue (especially the acoustics), including Johnny Reid! The theatre is 108 years old so was made for live entertainment. It has a lot of history.

The Grand Theatre, Indian Head, SK

Mayor of Hamilton, ON, Fred Eisenberger on The Westdale Cinema, Hamilton, ON

Since re-opening in February 2019, nearly 50,000 patrons have attended cinematic presentations, live artistic presentations, concerts, cultural talks, art lounge openings, comedy shows and fundraising events.

Plus, It’s Good for You

As explained in this short video from BBC Ideas and The Open University, going to the movies isn’t just for fun: it benefits your mind, body and soul.

  • Studies have shown we are 33% more focused when watching on the big screen vs small screens.
  • When we cry during films, our brains release oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of empathy and compassion.
  • In a recent study, 51 people came together to watch the 2019 adaptation of Aladdin. Participants wore biometric sensors that measured their heart rate, electrodermal activity and body temperature. Although they were sitting still, a third of the participants’ heart rates entered the “healthy heart rate zone” — equivalent to 40 minutes of low-intensity exercise — during the film.

Act now: Write a letter to support your favourite independent cinema!

How to support Canada’s independent cinemas

  1. Executive Summary
  2. What is the independent cinema sector?
  3. Canadian film needs Canadian cinemas
  4. The shift back to theatrical
  5. What independent cinemas bring to Canadian communities
  6. Independents need support with: Cineplex and ‘zones’
  7. Independents need support with: ‘Clean runs’ from studios
  8. Independents need support with: Capacity to grow
  9. Act now: Write a letter to support your favourite independent cinema!
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