Exploring the death of independent threatre
ATTENDING A FILM at the ByTowne Cinema on Rideau Street is something I try to do as often as I can. Unlike the big-name chain theatres such as Silvercity and Empire, an independent theatre like the Bytowne caters to a different crowd.
Independent theatres usually play movies that aren’t found in cineplexes, like international movies or classics like The African Queen. According to Lyle Stern, publicity representative for the Ottawa Film Society (OFS), the way we watch movies is changing and independent theatres are becoming few and farther between as a result.
The OFS, which is now on it’s 77th anniversary, aims to show movies in primarily 35mm. However, most major cinemas have moved on from this traditional format in favour for digital, which means the film group is left with few options in terms of venue.
The rapid increase in technology has left many independent theatres in Canada unable to compete.
“[The cost of transition from traditional to digital is] about an $80,000 to $100,000 investment,” says Stern, explaining why independent theatres are falling to the wayside.
Fierce competition with multiplexes has always put independent theatres at risk. With the introduction of Netflix as a new way to watch movies and the transition to digital mediums, many independent cinemas have closed their doors. Stern believes there are positive aspects to increased technology.
“Film is more readily accessible by a variety of methods, whether it’s online or via the web,” he says. “If people are interested, older film is more accessible than it was eight years ago.”
The spread of Netflix and similar websites increases access to film, but it also eliminates the need to watch movies in the cinema. Groups like the OFS are doing their part to keep the movie-going experience alive. The OFS usually holds their screenings in independent theatres because they show movies in the traditional format.
“When the lights go down, you forget where you are, and your eyes are on the big screen. To me, it’s the vision of the filmmaker. It’s the story, and what you’re seeing and hearing that’s going to transport you and excite you,” says Stern.
Through its popularity, the OFS is trying to make independent theatres a mainstay in Ottawa and the group seems to be winning. According to Stern, there still are a couple of independent theatres in Ottawa and enough of an audience to keep them in business.
“I think Ottawa’s very unique; we have two vibrant independents now. [We] have the ByTowne … it could be Canada’s most successful independent cinema.”
—Kyle Climans
