During this year’s TIFF, the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE) hosted an event celebrating the important work of independent film exhibitors and their partners over drinks and snacks.
The event would not have been possible without sponsors Christie and Cinematronix, who bring the magic of movies to the screen with technology that loves cinema.
Taking place at the Founders Lounge at TIFF Bell Lightbox (also a NICE member—and this month’s Member of the Month!), the event brought together stakeholders, vendors, distributors and press with a broad range of independent exhibitors.
The event saw brief speeches from Sonya William, Director of NICE, alongside Ben Wagner, Senior Director of Program Management of Cinema at Christie, and Kevin DeRijk, Owner and CEO of Cinematronix.
At this event, NICE was pleased to launch the Friend of NICE membership level. NICE has a membership of over 150 film exhibitors, stretching from coast to coast, and in communities of all sizes.
Through the Friend of NICE membership level, non-cinemas can reach this established network through online presentations, newsletters, direct emails and more. This level is a route for outside vendors to reach cinemas who have worked hard to cultivate their local audience.
With guests in attendance from Telefilm, NFB, ACTRA, WIFT, Art House Convergence and more, the event showed great alignment to support exhibition as part of the film value chain. NICE looks forward to working with all partners in order to support each others’ growth, and to make sure movies get made and reach their audiences.
A diversity in venues and film exhibitors is crucial for a healthy film ecosystem. More screens means more audiences, more titles and overall growth for Canada’s film industry.
The collaboration of the film exhibition industry into one network has been of great benefit to its members, as well as the vendors and partners who work alongside.
Christie and Cinematronix are two such exceptional partners: Who better to support the big screen experience, than big screen vendors?
NICE is delighted to have hosted another get-together for the Canadian independent film exhibition community and its partners. We can’t wait until next year. See you then!
All photos by Reynard Li.
