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News

Updates from NICE and the independent cinema community.

All Campaigns and Statements Cinema News Cinemas for Sale Fair Access to Films Friend of NICE Indie Cinema Mixer Just for Fun Member of the Month NICE in the News NICE Updates Other Reports
April 11, 2023 • Fair Access to Films

Independents need support with: ‘Clean runs’ from studios

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.

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April 11, 2023 • Fair Access to Films

Independents need support with: Cineplex and ‘zones’

Independent cinemas face institutional barriers to films. This is enforced by the ‘zone’ (also called ‘clearance’) system.

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April 11, 2023 • Fair Access to Films

What independent cinemas bring to Canadian communities

Independent cinemas are close to their audience. They answer emails, know regulars by name and host their birthday parties. 

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April 11, 2023 • Fair Access to Films

The shift back to theatrical

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.

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April 11, 2023 • Fair Access to Films

Canadian film needs Canadian cinemas

Across the country, audiences trust their local cinemas to introduce them to movies they will love.

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April 11, 2023 • Fair Access to Films

What is the independent cinema sector?

Perhaps the most defining characteristic of independent cinemas in Canada is that they are not Cineplex.

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April 11, 2023 • Fair Access to Films

Résumé: Comment soutenir les cinémas indépendants du Canada

Les cinémas indépendants à travers le Canada jouent un rôle important en partageant des histoires et en consolidant l’esprit de communauté.

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April 11, 2023 • Campaigns and Statements

Executive Summary: How to support Canada’s independent cinemas

Today, independent cinemas need structural support and policy changes in order to thrive, or even survive.

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March 23, 2023 • Member of the Month

Member of the Month: The Screening Room

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.

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Two audience members sitting in a cinema
March 16, 2023 • Just for Fun

Why going to the cinema is good for you, from BBC Ideas

We love this short video from BBC Ideas and The Open University, which explains why going to the movies isn’t just for fun.

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February 27, 2023 • Member of the Month

NICE Member of the Month: Yukon Film Society, Yukon Theatre and Available Light Film Festival

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.

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February 22, 2023 • Fair Access to Films

What does Cineplex have to do with keeping indie cinemas alive?

Today, Canadaland Commons published an episode about Cineplex in its Monopoly podcast series. Cineplex claimed 75% of Canadian box office market share in 2019.

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January 29, 2023 • Member of the Month

NICE Member of the Month: Metro Cinema

The Metro Cinema running out of the Garneau Theatre in Edmonton, Alberta, has a mandate for independent film and inventive guest programming.

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December 20, 2022 • Member of the Month

NICE Member of the Month: Brian Allen, his drive-ins & his family’s legacy

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.

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December 19, 2022 • NICE Updates

Telefilm’s support of indie cinemas comes at the perfect time 

NICE is encouraged to see enhanced support of the film exhibition sector this year with Telefilm’s Theatrical Exhibition Program.  

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November 24, 2022 • Member of the Month

NICE Member of the Month: Qathet Film Society and Patricia Theatre in Powell River, BC

A conversation with Peg Campbell and Gary Shilling, first-time cinema operators who are reviving the historic Patricia Theatre in Powell River, BC.

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September 16, 2022 • Indie Cinema Mixer

NICE Launch Event at TIFF 2022

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...

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September 13, 2022 • NICE Updates

Canadian independent cinemas, film festivals and exhibitors form new network

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...

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September 9, 2022 • NICE Updates

Movie Memory, in a cinema near you

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....

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August 31, 2022 • NICE Updates

‘Movie Memory’ in your cinema

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...

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June 4, 2021 • NICE Updates

Hot Docs Independent Cinema Relief Fund Raises $72.9K & 29 Canadian Cinemas Receive Funding

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...

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April 21, 2021 • NICE Updates

A Thriving Cultural Economy Includes Independent Cinemas

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....

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March 29, 2021 • Campaigns and Statements

Relief for Cinemas: New Fund from Hot Docs

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...

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March 21, 2021 • Friend of NICE

National Canadian Film Day: free movies for NICE members!

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....

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March 27, 2020 • NICE Updates

Support Indie Film Exhibitors

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...

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March 2, 2020 • Fair Access to Films

Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE) Supports Complaint to Competition Bureau Canada

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...

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Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE)

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.

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