Dunbar Theatre will become the first theatre in Vancouver to play local boy and noted marijuana enthusiast Seth Rogen's controversial new comedy, The Interview.
The movie is at the centre of a bizarre scandal that saw confidential documents from film studio Sony Pictures leaked by hackers beleived to be North Koreans incensed by the movie's depiction of "Best Korea".
In addition to leaking sensitive studio information, the hackers also threatened a 9/11-like attack on any theatres that screen the movie, prompting Sony to pull its release.
That's not putting off Dunbar Theatre owner Ken Charko, who said it was important for him to take a stand against people who use violence to try dictate what we can and can't watch.
"[Rogen] is from this area, he's a local guy… so we're happy to show his movie," he said. "I think it shows the value, the importance of independent theatres [that we can do this]."
Charko, who is also the Vice President of the Motion Picture Theatre Association, said he's not concerned about the hacker's threats, adding that in light of the recent terrorist attack on the Charlie Hedbo offices in Paris, it was important to send a message that threats of violence won't silence free speech.
"It's that control of media that's a concern for me," he said "I didn't do this because of what happened [in Paris], but I stand in solidarity with the people of France."
