Small Town Cinemas in B.C. Face Urgent Survival Challenges

UPDATE: Small town cinemas across British Columbia are facing an urgent battle for survival as major studios tighten their grip on film distribution. Independent exhibitors like Shaun and Kirstin Aquiline, who acquired the historic Gem Theatre in Grand Forks, B.C., in 2022, highlight the mounting pressures from streaming services and corporate policies that jeopardize these cultural hubs.

In a recent statement, Sonya William, executive director of the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE), revealed that 36% of independent cinemas serve as the only arts venue in their communities. “They are vital for keeping these communities connected,” William emphasized, underlining their cultural and economic significance.

However, the 2024 NICE study also found that 60% of independent exhibitors operated at a loss last year, raising alarms about their future. The Aquilines echoed these concerns, noting that studios enforce rigid terms that limit programming flexibility. When Shaun attempted to book a live comedy act, a distributor threatened to revoke future screenings unless the comedy was canceled, exposing the tight constraints imposed on small theaters.

The urgency of this situation is underscored by the fact that as major chains retreat, independent cinemas are stepping into the void. For instance, the historic Park Theatre in Vancouver was recently rescued by the Rio Theatre through an investor group that includes filmmakers Sean Baker and Finn Wolfhard, following Cineplex’s decision to relinquish its lease.

In Trail, B.C., owner Lisa Milne of the Royal Theatre faces challenges from outdated provincial regulations that hinder revenue streams, particularly liquor licensing laws that prevent younger audiences from attending. “Children are a large part of our audience,” Milne stated, pointing out the contradictions in current laws that restrict potential income during high-demand events.

The pandemic has already taken its toll; Cineplex and Landmark have closed several locations, leaving gaps that independents are now filling. The former Landmark in Port Alberni reopened as the Savoy Theatre on October 1, 2023, under the management of the Canadian Mental Health Association, creating a unique intersection of community support and cinema.

Entrepreneur Mikhial Mansour purchased the shuttered Amherst Theatre in Nova Scotia to ensure the town retains a cinema. “I loved going there as a kid,” Mansour shared, emphasizing the emotional connection the community has with its local theater.

Meanwhile, Brian Allen, president of Premier Theatres, advocates for the importance of independent ownership in this challenging landscape. “If you’re paying rent on a property, you’re cooked,” he warned, illustrating the precarious nature of running a cinema in today’s market.

As the film industry evolves, the struggle between major studios and independent cinemas is intensifying. The 1960s saw a similar pattern of abandonment, leading to the establishment of community-driven movie houses that provided a platform for diverse voices. This historical context highlights the resilience of local cinemas in adapting to changing circumstances.

With the future of small town cinemas hanging in the balance, it’s crucial for studios to recognize the value of these independent venues. As Shaun Aquiline aptly stated, “The studios could be the biggest ambassadors for micro-market theatres like ours.”

The fate of these beloved institutions now rests on a precarious edge, and the community’s response could determine whether they continue to flicker on screens for years to come. As the industry grapples with these urgent challenges, the call to action for support and adaptation has never been more critical.