May 19, 2006
More Bad News For Movie Houses
Torontoist doesn't want to ruin anyone's weekend but we got wind of more bad news about Toronto's movie houses.
First, rumour has it that EVERY Festival cinema is in danger of being closed down and not just the three Torontoist mentioned yesterday. The Paradise, is technically owned by someone else so that theatre may be able to stay open but without the clout of the Festival chain it would be a rough ride for the owners.
Second, Mark Holmes owner of the Mod Club is reputedly considering purchasing the Royal.
Third, the Bloor is also on shaky financial footing despite being a popular venue among the festivals and its legendary status so its future is also less than certain.
Here's hoping that those beers everyone will be drinking this weekend takes the sting off some of this news.
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nauseating news indeed! oh dear...
PLEASE REST ASSURED ABOUT THE BLOOR: Ron, after your article broke yesterday, I spoke to Paul, the Bloor manager today, and he reassured me, that business is still solid enough to pay all the bills. Not from the second run market, which DVDs have largely eroded, but mostly thanks to the many special screening bookings by indie filmmakers, and film festivals such as HOT DOCS and the Worldwide Jewish Film Festival.
So it's very simple how you can help keep Toronto's #1 and perhaps soon to be ONLY repertory cinema going. Instead of nickel and diming over which screening venue you pick for your film festival, go to the Bloor Cinema, Paul normally gives fests a deal and support independent reportory cinemas, as much as you support independent filmmakers, because god knows if you don't those venues will all be gone...
I've never heard of this Mark Holmes guy before. Does he have a bad reputation?
I think the Mark Holmes implication is that he could end up gutting it and turning it into a nightclub
Wow, just what the city needs, ANOTHER nightclub. Sheesh.
I wish there was more the individual patron could do to help the Bloor (and other rep cinemas). I try to see films (rather than watch DVDs) whenever I can, buy stuff from the concession, and attend the film festivals and special showings.
Any other suggestions?
I tend to see at least a dozen movies a month (usually more), and 90% of those are at the Bloor and Cinematheque Ontario. I regret not having gone to the Royal more in the past few months, especially as I have a Reel Deal card with four movies left on it (although, as it turns out, it would have expired at the end of June, anyway). From the Festival Cinemas website: "It comes with much heartache that we announce that the Festival Cinemas will cease operations of The Revue, Kingsway and Royal theatres at the end of June. If you have any questions or concerns please contact 416-856-2044. It is because of your support we have been able to stay in business for almost 30 years, thank you." Maybe I should give that number a call. Maybe we should all give that number a call. Not that it would change anything. But perhaps it could help us feel better?