Toronto, Sept. 16 — An association representing independent Canadian cinemas issued a request on Wednesday for major film studios to halt a practice it says limits the ability of small theatres to schedule Canadian movies. The group, based in Toronto, argues that the unnamed practice effectively blocks independent venues from expanding their domestic film offerings, thereby restricting audiences’ access to Canadian productions.
The association contends that the practice, which is favored by large studios, creates a barrier for independent theatres seeking to include more home‑grown titles in their line‑ups. By asking studios to discontinue the approach, the group aims to remove what it views as an obstacle to programming a broader range of Canadian content. The request emphasizes the need for a level playing field that allows smaller cinemas to compete for screen space alongside larger, multinational releases.
Industry observers note that independent cinemas across Canada regularly encounter challenges when trying to program Canadian films, a situation tied to broader industry practices that tend to prioritize major studio releases. The association’s appeal reflects ongoing concerns within the independent sector about the limited presence of domestic titles in theatre schedules. If studios were to end the practice, the expectation is that independent theatres could increase the frequency of Canadian film screenings, providing greater exposure for local filmmakers and more diverse choices for movie‑goers.