New documentary celebrates the survival of classic movie theatres in the Interior

The Interior, and in particular the Okanagan, is fortunate to have held on to some of the most charming and historic movie theatres in the province, and a new documentary is about to tell us why they are still delighting audiences. 

Filmmakers Curtis Emde, who grew up in Vernon, and his wife Silmara explored old theatres throughout the B.C. Interior, from Grand Forks’ GEM to Vernon’s Towne Cinema and the Oliver Theatre as part of “Out of the Interior: Survival of Small-town Cinema in British Columbia.”

A trailer for the film depicts the closure of classic cinemas in Vancouver and poses the question: Why have old theatres in the Interior survived?

The question will be answered as the film hits the silver screen over the next few weeks. 

It premieres at the Oliver Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 17 and comes to The Towne Cinema in Vernon Oct. 2. A screening follows in Kelowna at the Black Box Theatre Oct. 3, The Salmar Classic in Salmon Arm Oct. 4, and the Summerland Community Arts Centre on Oct. 5.

Out of the Interior – Official Trailer #1 from Curtis Emde on Vimeo.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.