Revue Cinema: Reel Communities

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

Directed by Roy Zheng, Revue Cinema: Reel Communities leans on a strong ensemble — Serena Whitney, Anthony Oliveira, Lydia Sun — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2021.