The Dave Barber Cinematheque is an 85-seat theatre operated by the Winnipeg Film Group, an artist-run centre that’s been supporting independent filmmakers since 1982. The theatre was renamed in 2021 to honour Dave Barber, the Cinematheque’s beloved programmer from its inception until his death in July 2021. Dave was a crucial figure in the development of independent cinema in Winnipeg and a mentor to generations of filmmakers.
As the only non-profit arthouse cinema in Manitoba—and currently the only operating theatre in downtown Winnipeg—the Cinematheque screens the best in Canadian and world cinema while highlighting local filmmakers and underrepresented artists. Their adventurous programming includes experimental films, local shorts, international features and repertory cinema.
Upcoming programming includes The Cinema of Edward Yang, featuring new restorations of five films by the Taiwanese New Wave pioneer, and Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair, spotlighting some of the greatest films that explore the darkest sides of humanity.
We spoke with film programmer Olivia Norquay about this very special cinematheque in the cultural cradle of Canada.
Psst, you can hear Olivia speak with other cinematheque programmers at the NICE Training Series session The Cinematheque in English Canada on August 13! RSVP here.
Tell us about Dave Barber Cinematheque:
The Winnipeg Film Group is an artist-run education, production support, exhibition, and distribution centre committed to advancing the art of the moving image and serves as an affordable resource centre for Manitoba’s independent filmmakers. The film group has three distinct operating centres – the Dave Barber Cinematheque, Distribution Centre and Production Centre – with a mandate of supporting and showcasing independent, international and Canadian film. We offer film workshops, equipment and facility rentals through the production department, representation in our catalogue through the distribution department and screenings in our 85-seat theatre, the Dave Barber Cinematheque.
On Monday, July 26th, 2021 we tragically lost our beloved coworker, mentor and friend Dave Barber. Dave Barber was the programmer at the Winnipeg Film Group’s Cinematheque since its inception in 1982. He was a crucial figure in the development of independent cinema in Winnipeg and an outstanding ally to generations of Winnipeg filmmakers. On the celebration of what would have been his 68th birthday, we officially renamed the theatre Dave Barber Cinematheque in his honour.
What makes Dave Barber Cinematheque unique?
As the Winnipeg Film Group’s exhibition department, the Dave Barber Cinematheque is the only non-profit arthouse cinema in Manitoba and screens the best in Canadian and world cinema while highlighting Winnipeg filmmakers and underrepresented artists. Our adventurous audiences appreciate our fearless commitment to showing films that are important, controversial, conscientious and committed to an independent vision.
What sort of films does the venue show?
The Dave Barber Cinematheque is the only independent arthouse cinema in Manitoba and is currently the only operating theater in downtown Winnipeg and is a critical source of groundbreaking and genre-expanding film, cinema and media art.
Since we are a non-profit theatre, we are able to take chances with programming. From experimental films, local short film programs, international and Canadian features, as well as repertory and contemporary cinema, it’s important for us to show films that our audiences won’t be able to see at other theatres. It’s a very curated and personal approach to programming, since we’re part of and responsible to a small community of filmmakers and filmgoers.
What are the Dave Barber Cinematheque’s greatest challenges?
Although we are the only operating theatre in downtown Winnipeg, we have run into several issues with zones. A down side of this is that we don’t always have the same access to new films as, say, Landmark Cinemas or Cineplex. Rather than wait for certain titles to be available, we’ve pivoted our programming to showcase independent films and international cinema, both first run and repertory.
What’s a memorable film screening or event hosted at the venue?
In October 2023, we screened Ceremonies of Light: The Films of Kenneth Anger, a special survey of Anger’s work, curated by the late artist, musician and Cinematheque Programming Director Jaimz Asmundson and presented on 16mm courtesy of Canyon Cinema. It was so beautiful to see such subversive and legendary work on film!
What are the most popular concession items?
Diet Coke!
What projects are you considering for the future of Dave Barber Cinematheque?
This May, the Dave Barber Cinematheque, in partnership with FascinAsian Film Festival, is excited to present five films by one of Taiwan’s most celebrated filmmakers and a pioneer of the Taiwanese New Wave, Edward Yang. The Cinema of Edward Yang features new restorations of Taipei Story (1985), Yi Yi (2000), A Confucian Confusion (1994), Mahjong (1996), and A Brighter Summer Day (1991).
In June, The Dave Barber Cinematheque is partnering with the American Cinematheque to present Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair, a weeklong festival that spotlights some of the greatest films from around the world that explore the darkest sides of humanity, as well as some of the bleakest points in human history. A harrowing, yet powerful lineup of films defined by stark imagery, unimaginable tragedies, existential fear, nihilism and shocking acts of brutality, this series features the world’s leading filmmakers who wholly embrace a cinema of despair in pursuit of unpleasant truths and raw empathy. Featuring The Turin Horse (2011), Lilya 4-Ever (2002), Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975), Grave of The Fireflies (1988), and many more!
Tell us about yourself; how did you get your start in film exhibition?
I’ve been working in event planning and curation for around fifteen years, as both the Special Events Coordinator at the independent record stores Music Trader and Into The Music and as a volunteer host at the community radio station CKUW. I hosted DIY screenings at record stores, bars, concert venues, and online. I didn’t know what I was doing!
I started working in the box office at the Dave Barber Cinematheque in 2019, eventually hired as the Programming Coordinator in 2021, and then promoted to full time Film Programmer in 2022.
Film programming is a dream job and I feel so lucky that I’m able to work in such a great film community!