Being someone who has done small‑scale movie distribution myself, I’ve experienced this frustration firsthand — waiting for showtimes for weeks with no response after screening requests were made, calling nearly every day trying to push higher‑demand ethnic films through, and still waited for weeks if not months, only receiving information 2–3 days before release. With schedules arriving so late, marketing, community outreach, and press planning were extremely hard to make.
For years, movies distributors and exhibitors across GTA have struggled with late booking confirmations, unpredictable scheduling, and clearance practices — when a major theatre chain demands exclusive rights to a film, preventing independent cinemas from screening it — even when there’s strong audience demand). That makes it nearly impossible to promote non‑Hollywood films — especially for ethnic, diaspora, and independent titles.
When showtimes arrive only 2–3 days before release, marketing becomes impossible. Community outreach stalls. Press can’t be booked. Influencers can’t be coordinated. And audiences who want these films never hear about them in time — before the movies get taken off screen after a weak first week at the box office, with their theatrical run shortened due to low ticket sales.
This isn’t a one‑off problem. It’s a structural issue in a market where one exhibitor holds overwhelming control of commercial screens and release windows.
It’s time for Canada’s independent theatres to come together.
Imagine Cinemas, Landmark Cinemas,, regional independents, arthouses — you are the backbone of film diversity in this country.
You bring in the films that major chains overlook. You serve communities that Hollywood doesn’t prioritize. You keep Canadian film culture alive.
I believe we’re at a moment where a national independent exhibitor coalition could finally shift the landscape:
push for transparent booking timelines
advocate for fair access to screens
support diaspora and indie distributors
and ensure audiences across Canada can actually see the films made for them.
If you’re an exhibitor, distributor, programmer, or part of the film community, I’d love to connect.
Let’s talk about what a unified voice could look like — and how we can build something that protects film diversity in Canada.
Film belongs to everyone.
And the system should reflect that
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