The Denman Cinemas opened its doors in 1969 and earned a loyal neighbourhood following thanks to its comfy seats, reasonable prices and decidedly West End vibe, including the long escalator ride into the depths of the mall.
The theatre closed briefly in 1989 and reopened as a discount repertory theatre; in 2010 it underwent extensive renovations. While the theatre was doing well, the owners were notified by their landlord that the theatres lease was not being renewed and on September 30, the lights went down for the last time.
It now joins other independent single-screen theatres such as the Van East (closed in 2010) and The Hollywood (2011) as places that live on only in our collective memory. The only independents left standing are The Dunbar, The Park, Fifth Avenue Cinemas and The Ridge, which will likely fall to the wrecking ball in early 2013. (Pacific Cinematheque and Vancity Theatre are not-for-profits.)
With even multiplexes being shuttered both the Oakridge and Station Square Cinemas closed earlier this month the future is challenging for single-screen venues.
Leonard Schein, president of Festival Cinemas (The Park, The Ridge and Fifth Avenue Cinemas), says theatres have a high square footage, heavy property taxes and landlords who want to find a tenant that will make money. [Landlords] can make even more money if they convert them to condos.
Indeed The Ridge is going condo, as did The Varsity before it and likely The Hollywood as well.
So can the independents make a go of it? Ken Charko, the owner of the Dunbar and the director of the Motion Picture Theatre Association of BC says, Yes. The Dunbar has done quite well and we dont have a problem getting product. Schein echoes these sentiments, noting that The Park and Fifth Avenue Cinemas are also doing well, as was The Ridge until Meinhardts departure from the shopping centre in December 2010 and rumours that The Ridge would quickly follow suit. Indeed many people dont realize that the theatre is still operational two years after the fact.
Charko feels that the odds are stacked against the independents because of the way distribution deals are structured. Theatres are required to run a film for two or three weeks and cant show anything else. This makes life very challenging, especially for single-screen venues.
The Park and The Dunbar wont be going anywhere soon, but Schein is a realist: As Cambie gets more developed, after 10 years [The Park] probably wont be there anymore. Charko agrees that The Dunbar is probably looking at a similar time frame.
But all the changes may signal a new step in the evolution of the independents. Tom Charity, the programmer for Vancity Theatre, says a growing trend in London might offer some hope. [Theres] a phenomenon of popup cinemas; cinema events in other venues, such as pubs. Theres even someone opening a new single screen using a place under an old rail line which theyre transforming.
Charity believes that true film fans will always seek out alternatives to blockbusters. Theres always a hunger for different ways of looking at the world and with the closure of DVD stores, its harder to find less mainstream movies. Its a question of finding the right economic model to make those available to people.
And all hope is not lost for the Denman. DenmanCinemas.com says, Thank you for making our dream to own a cinema such a wonderful experience. We are actively seeking another opportunity, and we will let you know if we find a new cinema to call home. Until then, take care, be well, and dont eat too much popcorn.
