Independent film lovers lament Calgary theatre struggles

Independent theatres in Calgary are facing an uphill battle as they deal with rising costs and competition of today's digital era.

The Uptown Stage and Screen in downtown Calgary announced last week that it will be shutting down permanently, saying it's tough to compete with digital services like Netflix. 

Meanwhile a group of local artists and supporters of independent film are trying to save another independent theatre and have launched the "Save the Plaza Theatre" campaign looking to raise $20,000 to help the Kensington establishment pay for a massive bill for new digital equipment.

The theatre faces closure if it is unable to upgrade its projection system.

Steve Schroeder, the executive director of the Calgary International Film Festival, said losing theatre space is bad news for events like the film festival but said running them can be a money-draining venture.

"I think it's always been hard, frankly," said Schroeder.

"The economics of running an art house cinema, a small-independent cinema, have always been very difficult. With the new technological needs, with more and more films not being available on old 35 mm, with having to upgrade all your equipment, that's a real hurdle to get over," he said.

This year's film festival will run mainly at the Globe and Eau Claire theatres.