Achi news desk-
Many in Calgary’s film industry are worried about the potential sale of another iconic mid-sized theater, and what it could mean for the local arts scene.
The owners of the Globe Cinema are currently trying to find a buyer.
The venue, which for decades has hosted more independent and small-scale films, is considered a cultural hub and the last of its kind in Calgary.
“We’ve basically made the Globe our home,” says Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) head Brenda Lieberman. “We can’t imagine where and how the festival would look if it wasn’t here.”
That could be a conversation that eventually took place.
Lieberman believes a sale isn’t imminent, but eventually, the Globe will be flipped. And if it is, it wouldn’t be the first loss of an independent cinema space in Calgary.
Some old theaters — like the one in Eau Claire — are being torn down for housing and transit. Others – such as the Grand or Palace Theater – were converted from cinema spots only to multi-use event spaces.
Some old theaters — like the one in Eau Claire — are being torn down for housing and transit. Others – such as the Grand or Palace Theater – were converted from cinema spots only to multi-use event spaces.
That has left the film industry somewhat behind.
“These spaces are leaving and they’re not coming back,” said Calgary International Film Festival interim executive director Katherine Penhale. “Without these spaces, we’re going to have a hard time promoting content in Alberta and Alberta content.”
CIFF has also used the Globe chairs for a long time.
Next year, it will move locations to a location to be announced. Penhale says the festival will miss the atmosphere of the Globe.
“Overall, the screening ability downtown in Calgary is at a pretty existential risk,” he told CTV News. “Whoever buys it – whether it’s an angel investor or a private corporation – unless they have a mandate of creating accessibility for local creators and local festivals, we’re going to be a bit frustrated. Right now, all of our cinematic-ready spaces are privately owned, so that means we’re at the whims of business.”
The good news? CUFF and CIFF representatives believe that the current owner of the building is in no rush to sell the building which is still making a profit.
CTV News contacted Riley’s Enterprise Solutions for more information on the sale.
As for publishing, we haven’t heard back.
