Our Mission
NICE is an alliance of Canadian independent cinemas, screening series and professional programmers working together to strengthen film exhibition across the country. We share resources, advocate for fair policies and build a connected community.
Our Story
NICE started in 2018 as an informal online discussion board where independent exhibitors could share experiences, ask questions and support one another. During the pandemic, NICE became a vital information-sharing network as cinemas navigated closures, reopenings and constantly changing public health guidelines.
In 2022, NICE formally incorporated as a federal non-profit organization and held a launch event at that year's TIFF festival. Since then, the organization has grown to represent exhibitors from Victoria to Charlottetown, offering group purchasing programs, advocacy initiatives and community-building opportunities.
What We Do
- Advocacy: We represent the interests of independent exhibitors in discussions with government, distributors and industry partners.
- Group Purchasing: Members access significant discounts on concession supplies, equipment and services through our collective buying power.
- Training: Our online training series provides free professional development for operators and programmers across the country.
- Community: Monthly Zoom conversations, an active online message board and in-person Indie Cinema Mixer events connect exhibitors from coast to coast.
Why Independent Cinemas Matter
Independent cinemas are cultural anchors in their communities. They champion diverse programming, support Canadian filmmakers and provide spaces for shared cultural experiences that streaming cannot replicate.
From single-screen theatres in small towns to urban art houses, our members represent the rich diversity of film exhibition in Canada.
Team & Board
Board of Directors
- Lisa Milne – Co-Chair | Royal Theatre, Trail, BC
- Mitchel Fleming – Co-Chair | Hall Webber LLP
- Fred Fuchs – Treasurer | Independent
- Sonya Yokota William – Secretary | Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE)
- Andy Willick | The Fox, Toronto, ON; ByTowne Cinema, Ottawa, ON
- Aude Renaud-Lorrain | Cinéma Public, Montréal, QC
- Daniel Demois | The Fox, Toronto, ON; ByTowne Cinema, Ottawa, ON
- Èva Morin | Cinémas Beaubien, du Parc, du Musée, Montréal, QC
- Keldon Bester | Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project (CAMP)
- Wendy Huot | The Screening Room, Kingston, ON
Contact
Sonya Yokota William | sonya@nicecinema.ca
Land Acknowledgement
Film exhibition spaces across Turtle Island are on the treaty lands and traditional territories of many Indigenous nations and are important spaces for sharing Indigenous stories of the past, present and future. We make this acknowledgement in the spirit of respect and truth and in recognition of Indigenous sovereignty.
Join Our Community
Whether you operate a cinema, program films or support the industry, there is a place for you at NICE.
Become a MemberPhoto credits: NICE at ShowCanada, photo by MI Productions · NICE launch event in 2022 · Yukon Theatre, photo by Andrew Connors