Achi news desk-
Calgary’s independent film community is increasingly concerned about the state of downtown area cinemas following the imminent closure of one along with the possible sale of another.
Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market Cinemas, in the soon-to-be-demolished Eau Claire Market, is slated to close permanently by the end of May 5.
An independent theater, Globe Cinema at 617, 8 Ave SW, is currently for sale, after originally being listed about four years ago.
“I lose sleep over this every night,” Brenda Lieberman told Global News.
Lieberman is the founder of the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) – located at the Globe.
“Our office is here. My whole life is in here. The whole feel of the festival is built around here,” she said tearfully. “I don’t know what would happen to all these festivals and groups.”
The “classic movie house” or “art-house” cinema has been around for decades under different names and owners and is one of the last remaining theaters in the city and area. It has welcomed thousands of guests and hosted many independent film festivals over the years.
Lieberman is worried about what could turn into him, if he sells and doesn’t stay in theater.
“Is someone going to try to buy it and turn it into a furniture store or a night club? And where are we going to be as a community and as a city if that happens?” she asked.
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“If we only rely on the suburban multiplexes, we lose a lot of our cultural footprint and the vibrancy of the city centre.”
The Globe Cinema.
Tomasia DaSilva
Calgary born and raised filmmaker Levi Holwell agreed.
He recently tackled the subject in his documentary Magic Hours. It explores the struggling world of movie houses across Alberta and showcases “the passionate defenders reviving, reinventing and sometimes letting go of these once vital community spaces”.
“So many of these theaters are really in a state of crisis,” added Holwell.
“So many have closed and so many are ringing the alarm bells saying if things don’t change, they will close too.”
Levi Holwell at work Credit: Ethan Wournell.
Credit: Ethan Wournell
Holwell said it could be easy for people to see one theater closing and not panic, but he hopes they understand the impact.
“I think you have to look at the bigger picture and it’s about the trend and they’re all connected – like domino pieces,” he pointed out. “The indifference to let one movie theater go, it always leads to five more, to 10 more.”
That is why citizens need to be careful, he added.
“You’re going to miss a lot of these historic places that have been around in the community for a long time and have a special place.”
Levi Holwell Credit: Ethan Wournell.
While there are no signs that the Globe will be closed anytime soon, Lieberman said it’s time for the city to speak up and find a way to keep it and operate it as a community.
The Globe Cinema is listed for sale for $2.4M, but the total is estimated to rise significantly once the business is also purchased, and necessary renovations are made.
Lieberman pointed out that it may have been money well spent, adding that the city’s film festivals continue to grow in popularity and attendance.
The owners of the building were not available for comment.
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
