Last week a call went out from Canada’s film industry urging support for independent cinemas and Canadian films. The message highlighted not only cultural concerns but also the financial pressures facing small businesses, strained revenue models and the risk of communities losing vital gathering spaces.
A fragile ecosystem under strain
According to a recent survey by the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors (NICE), 60% of independent theatre operators said they ended their most recent fiscal year operating at a loss.
Many respondents cited “clean run” demands from studios — rules forcing a theatre to devote every showtime to a single big film for two to four weeks — as a key obstacle.
Add in the requirement that some independents must wait for Cineplex to release a film in their zone before showing it locally, and you begin to see how the math can break down fast.
Sonya Williams, a director at NICE, told CBC the picture is “really stark” and warns that “independent cinema cannot exist in Canada without a change in these policies.”
What this means for your wallet and your community
You might think “What does this have to do with my finances?” But the answer is more than you expect.
First, independent cinemas are local small businesses. When they vanish, so do jobs, community vibrancy and spending that supports nearby cafés, restaurants or shops.
Second, many independents serve as the only local entertainment option in smaller towns. NICE’s study found that 34% of respondents are the only cultural or entertainment venue in their community.
Third, if independents close and film distribution consolidates further, the odds shrink for Canadian films (which often rely on smaller screens for exposure). That means fewer chances for local creators and less cultural diversity in what gets shown.
All of that matters when we think of the long tail of local economies: Fewer community draws, less “third-space” for people to gather and less opportunity for microbusinesses to benefit from event traffic.
A narrative worth caring about
Kinmount, ON’s, Highlands Cinemas shows what’s at stake when independents struggle. Opened by Keith Stata in 1979 with just 58 seats, it has since grown into a five-screen theatre with a movie museum that attracts visitors from across the country to this rural village.
Stata, featured in the 2024 documentary The Movie Man, calls himself someone who was “born loving film.” His collection includes artifacts from more than 400 shuttered theatres, and he spends about $75,000 a year just to keep the operation going.
Highlands is a tourist draw, a community hub and a living archive of Canadian film history. Stata told The Highlander that keeping it alive is “less energy, less physical ability and still the same amount, if not more, work as when I was younger.”
His story reflects the bigger picture: Independent cinemas are not only screens, but gathering spaces and cultural anchors. When they vanish, communities lose more than just a night at the movies.
Where government, industry and you can help
Independent cinemas face a range of financial and operational pressures, but there are practical ways that communities, businesses and individuals can support them. From funding programs to local partnerships, concrete steps can help keep these cultural hubs thriving.
1. Explore grant and subsidy programs
If you run a local business or arts group, investigate whether there are municipal, provincial or federal programs to support venue operations, capital upgrades or programming partnerships. Many governments already fund arts and culture; independent cinemas could qualify under those umbrellas.
2. Offer partnerships, sponsorships or affinity promotions
Businesses near cinemas might create “dinner + movie” deals, discount tie-ins, or loyalty programs. A local café might offer a discount for patrons with a same-day ticket stub.
3. Buy local cinema passes or memberships
Independents often sell memberships, season passes or loyalty cards. Buying in (or gifting passes) helps with cash flow and signals community value.
4. Advocate for policy changes
Organizations and individuals can press government bodies (federal, provincial, municipal) to rethink “clean run” rules or zone restrictions. The industry calls them anti-competitive practices.
5. Promote local screenings and events
If you operate a newsletter, blog or social media page, use that platform to spotlight independent cinemas, encourage people to attend, or coordinate group outings. Word of mouth still matters.
6. Engage and enjoy
Search for local independent cinemas in your area or in surrounding communities and check them out! Go visit, see what events they host and support them with your attendance and wallet.
Support local cinemas and strengthen your community
Independent cinemas are more than entertainment venues. They contribute to local economies, support nearby businesses and serve as cultural anchors. The challenges they face — from changing media habits to policies that favour larger chains — reflect broader pressures on small businesses.
Thinking of them as community anchors highlights the ripple effect: When independent cinemas struggle, surrounding businesses and cultural initiatives often feel the impact.
Practical support, from patronage and partnerships to advocacy for fair policies, can help ensure these spaces continue to thrive and remain vibrant parts of Canadian communities.
Sources
1. CBC: Independent cinemas and Canadian films need your support, industry says, by Courtney Dickson (September 20, 2025)
3. The Highlander: Cats, memories and the world of film, by Lisa Gervais (July 30, 2019)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.