Save The Plaza Theatre

Summary

The Plaza Theatre in Kensington faces closure if it is unable to upgrade its projection system to accommodate newer digital formats. For 77 years, this theatre has been at the centre of a vibrant film community and losing it would severely inhibit the further development of the Calgary Independent Film Industry, having nowhere to screen these films.

You may have heard Calgary being referred to as Hollywood North, and it's true. Our city attracts big Hollywood producers because of our beautiful urban and rural locations and our professional crews and performers. But that's not the whole story. Calgary's independent film commuity is the heart of filmmaking in Alberta. With films like Lloyd the Conqueror and The Burlesque Assassins, we have proven how creative and talented our local filmmakers are. But we lack the endless funds for marketing our films and that's where theatres like The Plaza come in. Screening a film at The Plaza starts a buzz about the film and helps start marketing at at grassroots level. Without venues like this, local filmmaking would be immeasurably challenged. 

What We Need & What You Get

We are not the owners of this theatre, just local artists and supporters of independent film. We're doing this simply because we love The Plaza. 

For 77 years The Plaza has been Calgary's favorite Art House Theatre. But with new digital formats becoming more common The Plaza needs to upgrade its projection system, or be left behind. The challenge is that to purchase a cinematic quality digital projector, costs could run into the neigborhood of $100000. We're not aspiring to raise the full $100000, but instead see what the response is to the campaign and aim for $20000.

The Plaza is home to many FIlm Festivals every year. They all contribute to the vibrance and diversity of our city and many of them are hosted by The Plaza Theatre. The closing of this theatre would pose a huge challenge to these festivals. Currently it's one of the last remaining Art House Theatres in Calgary.

The Impact

As a city of 1 000 000 plus, Calgary can't be without a venue to host the offerings of our future filmmakers. And as the 2012 Cultural Capital of Canada, it's unthinkable for Calgary to be without this theatre. This kind of gathering place in vital to any city that aspires to be diverse and cosmopolitan.

Other Ways You Can Help

A lot of people have offered incentives to dontate, so please be generous, and let's keep The Plaza open and at the cutting edge of cinematic technology. If you can't afford to donate, please come to a film at The Plaza. Support Local Filmmakers!