The Movie Mill in Lethbridge, Alberta, is a full entertainment destination! Alongside their seven screens, they operate the Soda Mill gourmet soda shop and the truly stunning Enchanted Mini Golf. And their signature popcorn, which can be served in reusable buckets with year-round refill deals, has Lethbridge residents raving.
With day-to-day operations led by managing partners Ben and Chelsea Bretzke, alongside ownership partners Matthew and Lily Sherwood, this vibrant theatre is a community hub. Their programming goes far beyond typical second-run fare: they show foreign-language films for new Canadians, host watch parties for away games of the local hockey team, help host the annual Lethbridge International Film Festival, and run summer drive-ins that feel like nostalgic block parties.
We spoke with the ownership team about weekly Mom & Tot screenings, their impactful sold-out screening of Indigenous film Meadowlarks, and their Mother’s Day screening of Anne of Green Gables with local women entrepreneurs setting up booths during intermission.
Tell us about the Movie Mill:
The Movie Mill is a second-run independent movie theatre that first opened in 1994, founded by Len and Deb Binning. We have seven screens and proudly serve Lethbridge (population ~110,000), along with many surrounding communities throughout southern Alberta. Over the years, we’ve expanded the experience beyond movies with our attached gourmet soda shop, the Soda Mill, and our recently renovated Enchanted Mini Golf, creating a full destination for entertainment.
What makes the Movie Mill unique?
As second-run theatres become increasingly rare, what sets us apart is the variety of content and community programming we offer. We’ve started to think of the Movie Mill less as just a theatre and more as a community hub—a place where people gather.
We show a variety of language films so new Canadians can feel at home. We’ve hosted watch parties for away games of our local hockey team. We play throwbacks and cult classics that bring fans together and give people a chance to introduce the next generation to films and franchises they love. We help host the annual Lethbridge International Film Festival and our summer drive-ins feels like big nostalgic block parties.
We also offer weekly Mom & Tot screenings, sensory-friendly showings, and $3 throwback matinees that are especially popular with seniors. We truly cater to a wide range of audiences and bring them together in one shared space—through storytelling that expands perspectives and builds connection. All with delicious popcorn. 🙂
What sort of films does the venue show?
While we are a second-run theatre, we go far beyond that. We regularly program specialty content including marathons, trilogy events, and curated throwbacks celebrating iconic filmmakers and franchises. We bring in language films, subbed and dubbed anime, Christian and family content, and even concert screenings.
With the other theatre in town focused primarily on Hollywood blockbusters, we intentionally look beyond the mainstream—finding films that might not otherwise make it to Lethbridge. It allows us to offer something different and expand what’s available to our community.
What are the Movie Mill’s greatest challenges?
We have a young and enthusiastic team, and for many, this is their first job. That comes with a learning curve and a strong focus on training and development. We also experience natural turnover as staff head off to school or new opportunities.
That said, one of the most rewarding things is how many team members stay connected even after they leave. It often becomes more than just a job—it feels like a family, and that culture is something we’re really proud of.
What are your favourite compliments that the Movie Mill receives?
We’re incredibly grateful for our loyal customers. They consistently show up for our throwbacks and specialty events, and they especially love our summer drive-ins.
One phrase we hear often around town is, “I’ll wait for the Mill.” That used to be about price—but it’s becoming about preference. People choose us for the experience: the popcorn, the gourmet sodas, the comfort of the theatre, and the feeling of supporting a local business that’s always trying to do something creative and different.
What’s a memorable film screening or event hosted at the venue?
There have been so many, but one that stands out is when we screened the Indigenous film Meadowlarks. It tells the story of siblings separated during the Sixties Scoop who reunite for a weekend in Banff—a powerful and emotional film about loss and healing.
The screening sold out, and the audience gave a spontaneous round of applause at the end. As guests were leaving, we discovered that one of the youth in attendance was actually a performer from the film. He was there with his family, and it created such a meaningful and memorable connection between the film and the audience.
What are the most popular concession items?
Our popcorn is definitely our signature item—people genuinely rave about it. Our reusable popcorn buckets are especially popular, offering a year-round refill deal and often sold as part of school fundraisers.
At the same time, our gourmet sodas from the Soda Mill have become a major part of the experience. Many guests grab one to take into their movie, while others stop in just for the drinks themselves.
What projects are you considering for the future of the Movie Mill?
We’ve just completed a major renovation of our Enchanted Mini Golf, creating a much more immersive and high-quality experience that the community has really embraced.
On the film side, we’re always working on unique events. One highlight is our special screening of Anne of Green Gables (1985) for Mother’s Day weekend. We’ve partnered with local businesses and female entrepreneurs who will be part of the event, offering booths and door prizes during intermission. It’s a great example of how we like to blend film with community collaboration.
Tell us about yourself; how did you get your start in film exhibition?
Our ownership group came together in a unique way. Matthew and Lily Sherwood, who have a background in commercial real estate, were approached by the original owners of the Movie Mill when they were looking to sell due to health reasons. They then reached out to Ben and Chelsea Bretzke to come on as managing partners.
It’s been a great partnership. We’re passionate about honouring the legacy that Len and Deb built while also taking the Movie Mill in new and exciting directions. At the core of everything we do is a simple goal: building community through the powerful, shared experience of film.