NICE leadership updates
Three years into its formalization as a federal non-profit, NICE is growing!
April 28, 2025
News
from NICE
Updates and oppotunities
Updates and oppotunities
Three years into its formalization as a federal non-profit, NICE is growing!
Since 1974, the South Cariboo Theatre has been showing films and slinging popcorn for audiences in the heart of gorgeous Cariboo, BC.
This year, there will be over 100 CanFilmDay screenings in NICE cinemas across the country. And that’s not all: Many NICE members are expanding CanFilmDay…into CanFilmWEEK.
Owned and operated by the volunteer-run Acadia Cinema Cooperative, this lively historic cinema is a true gem.
The excellent Cinéma du Parc and other NICE members (and NICE itself) are featured in this new Globe and Mail piece from Josh O’Kane.
We’re excited to discover upcoming titles from Black Fawn Productions, Capital Motion, Drafthouse Films / Giant Pictures / Tribeca Films, IsumaTV, Les Films du 3 Mars and Partner Distribution.
Anora filmmaker Sean Baker used his 2025 Oscars speech for best director to remind us that the sacred movie-going experience needs to be protected.
Now run by a community-based co-operative, Aron Theatre is a democratic enterprise with over 2,600 voting members.
Do you love Canada’s independent cinemas? Do you have big ideas for their future? We want to hear from you to become a NICE Board member!
It is our rare pleasure to welcome a brand new cinema to Canada!
For your holiday viewing, we are thrilled to share our new Indie Cinema Showreel.
NICE has signed on to the Call to Defend Democracy, Equity and Cross-Cultural Dialogue from the International Confederation of Arthouse Cinemas – CICAE.
New book The Big Fix digs into all kinds of market concentration in Canada – including where you watch movies on the big screen.
Dig into a 14-minute video about Toronto’s Revue Cinema and hear from NICE about the importance of independent cinemas across Canada.
Are you a film lover who also enjoys trekking into the great outdoors? Since 1908, the majestic Vogue Theatre in Fernie, BC, has entertained audiences in the captivating foothills of Canadian Rockies.
Deep in the woods of northern Ontario is Highlands Cinemas, a five-screen cinema with a museum of movie memorabilia and a cat rescue shelter.
A historic cinema with a glorious neon marquee deep in the mountains along the Columbia River, the Roxy Theatre in Revelstoke, BC, is a timeless institution for the legendary ski town.
We’re excited to discover upcoming titles from Drafthouse Films / Giant Pictures / Tribeca Films, Hawkeye Pictures, Les Films du 3 Mars and National Film Board of Canada (NFB).
Have you ever dreamed of showing movies on the big screen under the stars? Then you don’t want to miss out on this wonderful opportunity to take over the Mustang Drive-In PEC.
With this exclusive card, staff members of participating NICE cinemas can claim a free ticket to a regular screening at all other participating venues.
On Wednesday, October 16, NICE members are invited to join a presentation from global audio visual company Christie Digital and cinema technology provider Cinematronix.
This Monday, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
If you love independent cinemas, you do not want to miss Magic Hours. This gorgeous 45-minute documentary lovingly captures a variety of movie houses across Alberta.
The stunning VIFF Centre sits in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown and has a gorgeous, modern façade.
Now in its third year, the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE) is delighted to continue hosting its celebrated Indie Cinema Mixer at TIFF on Monday, September 9.
A new group xenon lamp purchase program for Canadian independent film exhibitors.
Discover the vibrant and exciting Film.ca, which is so much more than just a cinema. Featuring Dole Whip and Zuzu’s Pizza!
On Friday, August 16, NICE members are invited to join a Friend of NICE presentation from Eventive.
NICE is proud to support a request to the BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General to allow the purchase and consumption of beer and wine within movie theatres with mixed ages in attendance.
Celebrating 110 years, the Orpheum Theatre is likely the longest continuously independently run cinema in Canada.
NICE and Front Row Insurance are delighted to announce a new program for independent film exhibitors.
On Friday, July 12, we’re excited to discover upcoming titles from Drafthouse Films / Giant Pictures / Tribeca Films, Seventh Art Productions / Exhibition on Screen, National Film Board of Canada (NFB), and Partner Distribution / Zellis Entertainment.
NICE was delighted to spend five days meeting with partners, attending interesting presentations and finding community at the Independent Film Exhibition Conference.
We are startled by the recent news that The Revue Cinema in Toronto, ON, may have to evacuate premises on July 1, 2024. The Revue is a vibrant, exciting venue with a creative roster of programs that bring out diverse audiences all through the year.
On Friday, June 21, NICE members are invited to join a Friend of NICE presentation from Irwin Seating.
NICE is delighted to participate in this year’s ShowCanada, an annual conference dedicated to film exhibition across Canada.
Where else could you experience a 4-dimensional screening of Twister, complete with screen flying in the air? TOPS screens movies for free in public parks, bringing audiences of up to 2,000+ per screening.
On Friday, May 17, NICE members are invited to join a Friend of NICE presentation from Front Row Insurance.
The next time you’re at your favourite independent cinema, keep your eyes peeled for our pre-show bumper.
On Friday, April 5 at 10am PT / 1pm ET, NICE members are invited to join special guests from Telefilm to discuss the new report Canadian Movie
CBC has produced a broadcast and written piece digging into the policies that unnecessarily burden independent cinemas in Canada.
Get the numbers behind the crisis in independent film exhibition across Canada in this new report.
On Friday, February 23, NICE members are invited to join a Friend of NICE presentation from Reel Canada about National Canadian Film Day.
The Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE) is delighted that Telefilm is discovering, quantifying and evaluating feature film consumption across the country with the newly-released study Canadian Movie Consumption Exploring the Health of Feature Film in Canada.
Initially formed as a community response to losing the last remaining movie theatre in Sudbury’s downtown core—Sudbury Indie Cinema Co-op is now celebrating its 10th anniversary!
On Friday, November 17, we’re excited to discover upcoming titles from Filmoption International, HighballTV and IsumaTV.
The (literally) underground three-screen Cinéma du Parc brings a particular and bold sensibility to its programming.
A new survey of NICE members has revealed a need for support.
On Friday, October 13, NICE members are invited to join a Friend of NICE presentation from Agile Ticketing Solutions.
On Friday, September 22, NICE members are invited to join a Friend of NICE presentation from Elevent.
During this year’s TIFF, NICE celebrated the important work of independent film exhibitors and their partners over drinks and snacks.
One of the world’s premier film festivals, and its year-round venue showing a curated mix of films old and new.
On Friday, August 25 at 10am PT / 1pm ET, NICE members are invited to join a Friend of NICE presentation from Veezi. Veezi is
Known as the “Hub of the North,” the town of Hay River in the Northwest Territories is set against gorgeous vistas of boreal forest, rivers and lakes.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary and located in the heart of downtown Charlottetown, City Cinema is the only independent cinema in PEI.
Independent film exhibitors and their colleagues attending Show Canada were invited to join NICE for an Indie Cinema Mixer, supported by Telefilm Canada.
Hyland Cinema holds a special place in the heart of southwest Ontarians; don’t miss their piri-piri flavouring on Ontario-sourced organic popcorn!
Taking place on April 18, 2023, the 10th edition of National Canadian Film Day was a massive, coast-to-coast-to-coast salute to Canadian cinema!
Set against the Rocky Mountains and the stunning Columbia River in the South Kootenays, BC, The Royal Theatre offers a luxury viewing experience.
Today, we’re inviting audiences who love their local independent cinema to share this love with their elected representatives. Support your favourite cinema!
Aujourd’hui, nous invitons les publics amoureux de leur cinéma indépendant local à partager cet amour avec leurs élus. Soutenez votre cinéma préféré !
The future of independent film exhibition in Canada is bright: More exhibitors, more audiences, more films.
Some studios require two, three and four week runs for films on release. These are called ‘clean runs’ as they only accommodate a single film playing in absolutely every showtime.
Independent cinemas face institutional barriers to films. This is enforced by the ‘zone’ (also called ‘clearance’) system.
Independent cinemas are close to their audience. They answer emails, know regulars by name and host their birthday parties.
The rise of streaming has undeniably impacted cinemas, and the resultant flattening of content into massive online libraries has not given Canadian film much room to grow.
Across the country, audiences trust their local cinemas to introduce them to movies they will love.
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of independent cinemas in Canada is that they are not Cineplex.
Les cinémas indépendants à travers le Canada jouent un rôle important en partageant des histoires et en consolidant l’esprit de communauté.
Today, independent cinemas need structural support and policy changes in order to thrive, or even survive.
This month we are excited to feature The Screening Room, the only cinema in bustling Kingston, ON. With three screens and an exciting program, it always has something to discover.
We love this short video from BBC Ideas and The Open University, which explains why going to the movies isn’t just for fun.
The Yukon Film Society is a nonprofit film and media art centre based on the traditional territories of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation in Whitehorse.
Today, Canadaland Commons published an episode about Cineplex in its Monopoly podcast series. Cineplex claimed 75% of Canadian box office market share in 2019.
The Metro Cinema running out of the Garneau Theatre in Edmonton, Alberta, has a mandate for independent film and inventive guest programming.
My family came to Canada in 1905, from Lithuania via the US. They opened their first storefront theatre (then known as a theatorium) in Brantford, Ontario in 1906 and called it the Gem.
NICE is encouraged to see enhanced support of the film exhibition sector this year with Telefilm’s Theatrical Exhibition Program.
A conversation with Peg Campbell and Gary Shilling, first-time cinema operators who are reviving the historic Patricia Theatre in Powell River, BC.
During this year’s TIFF, we celebrated the official launch of the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE) over drinks and snacks. The event would not have been
Crucial moment to support an industry at a crossroads Historic landmarks in rural communities, bustling urban screening series, retro drive-in theatres and more unite with
Starting today, NICE members of all shapes and sizes across the country have begun sharing the Movie Memory ad spot in their pre-show and more.
Get paid to promote going to the movies! NICE is organizing cinemas across the country who are interested in showing a 30-second Movie Memory campaign
Hot Docs is thrilled to announce that the Independent Cinema Relief Fund surpassed its goal by 240 per cent to raise a total of $72.9K, enabling
Today, cinemas nationwide celebrate and showcase great movies on National Canadian Film Day. In order for Canadian film to succeed, we need Canadian independent film exhibitors.
The Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE) is delighted to partner with Hot Docs to support the Hot Docs Independent Cinemas Relief Fund. From March
The Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE) is delighted to partner with REEL CANADA for this year’s National Canadian Film Day (NCFD) on Wednesday, April 20.
Gift Cards and Memberships are a great way to support your local cinema or film exhibitor, while we’re closed to #flattenthecurve. Check out our list
Cineplex market share is extraordinary when compared to other countries New industry network of independent Canadian film exhibitors speaks up: https://www.nicecinema.ca Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors