Revue Cinema: Reel Communities

Directed by Roy Zheng

The Revue Cinema, which opened in 1912 and briefly closed down for ten months in 2006, is now the oldest cinema in Toronto. By transforming itself into a not-for-profit organization and building a solid connection with its community, the Revue Cinema provides an excellent example of how indie cinemas seek to provide much more than mere entertainment: they enrich the community and anchor its history. During the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, Roy Zheng—documentary filmmaker and culture researcher—dove into Revue Cinema’s massive archive and virtually interviewed 34 observers of its ongoing legacy. This research culminated into a 50-minute linear documentary that explores Revue’s past, present and foreseeable future. Revue Cinema: Reel Communities will guide you into this 108-year journey. - ROY ZHENG