While Sudbury, ON may primarily be known for its mining industry, an arts community is aching to break out. This seems to be common with Canadian working class cities. Perhaps to counter their blue collar reputations, or because there’s a determination to find an outlet for creative voices and stories.

The Sudbury Indie Cinema, a co-op organization that hosts independent and international films to audiences that may not usually receive an opportunity to see these movies otherwise, is a fantastic initiative. “If the Indie ceased to exist, Sudbury cinephiles would have extremely limited options to see top cinema save for an annual festival that is a TIFF showcase,” according to Beth Mairs, the co-op’s founding Executive Director and Programmer. “Deliberately selecting films which speak to themes or whose key creators represent diverse voices means a broader representation of stories on the big screen. This programming is especially affirming to community members whose stories are rarely depicted from an insider perspective. The richness of diverse voices and perspectives in film is enriching for everyone. I guarantee the films you see at the Indie will contain scenes that never leave you.”

Beth is absolutely right. In fact, these Indie screenings may be the only time these select titles receive a theatrical run. While visiting the Indie, I attended a screening of Frauke Finsterwalder’s Sisi & Ich, a period film that had only been previously screened in Toronto for Inside Out, a film festival celebrating the works of 2SLGBTQ+ creators. The movie, starring Academy Award nominee Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall), boasts a wicked attitude, a rocking soundtrack, and takes viewers on a wild ride. But in a grand cinematic scheme that usually consists of “event-type” movies, Sisi & Ich may have otherwise been lost in the shuffle; making the true intent of the Sudbury Indie Cinema stand out that much more. Similarly, the Indie was also the only theatre in its radius to screen TIFF’s hot ticket The People’s Joker, an autobiographical film about director Vera Drew’s trans coming-of-age.

The Saturday evening screening of Sisi & Ich was decently full, with audience members chatting about other movies that were also scheduled for August; which included the chamber-piece-on-wheels Daddio and Kneecap, the ambitious music biopic from Northern Ireland. The space itself is great; offering a large single-screen theatre with comfortable seats and zero distractions (along with a middle row with an abundance of leg-room), and a clean, streamlined lobby inviting post-screening discussions.

“The Sudbury Indie Cinema is a zero waste, plastic-free environment where we have thought through everything we offer at concessions to be either compostable or recyclable,” Mairs adds on. “And because of this, our patrons don’t need to park their values at the door to enjoy a salty or sweet snack while having a movie theatre experience. We serve GMO-free popcorn and real butter, organic coffees and teas, and our prices are typically 30-40% cheaper than a similar order of a less premium product at the multiplexes.”

“The Indie runs a monthly calendar with daily showtimes, with a blend of arthouse and genre screenings every day of the week,” Mairs explained. “But in addition to this predictable high calibre programming, we also organize four annual regional film festivals, as well as monthly film series.” For instance, after a sold-out run last year, the Indie’s Studio Ghibli Sudbury showcase returns to the theatre this weekend (September 6-8). Titles include Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning films The Boy and the Heron and Spirited Away, with the programme also screening Kiki’s Delivery Service, Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke among others. ”Studio Ghibli is one of the most revered animation studios in the world and, when watching their films, it’s so easy to get lost for an hour or two in the fantastical worlds they have created,” explains cinema manager Miranda MacLeod, founder and organizer of Studio Ghibli Sudbury. “Even the films that are based more in our reality tend to have relatable subject matter throughout the different stages of ones life. These films hold a lot of nostalgia for many people. At last years event, I saw lots of adults bringing their children to the screenings to pass down the torch of their love for Ghibli.” MacLeod continues, “events like this also bring together a sense of community for people who are fans of Studio Ghibli and similar media, but may only really interact with other fans online. We have tried to make it an entire experience as well by bringing in vendors who offer foods and items straight out of the movies.”

The Indie will also run STUFF – Sudbury’s Tiny Underground Film Festival on October 5, which assures ticket holders that they’ll be exposed to an experimental collection of different genres and methods of storytelling. Other exclusive screenings in September include India Donaldson’s critically acclaimed drama Good One, Spanish import Close Your Eyes (Victor Erice’s return to feature-length filmmaking), and Pascal Plante’s cyber-thriller Red Rooms (a film that is currently only scheduled for a U.S. theatrical run).

In terms of finding that connection between movies and the Indie’s audience, Mairs elaborates. “We look for opportunities to bring films with topics that resonate with local stories or community issues. We then work in tandem with local leaders on these issues to enhance the film going experience to support local efforts either through donating a portion of the ticket to the cause, and/or showcasing local efforts by organizing a local panel to discuss the issues. Similarly, we also are proactive in connecting with the filmmakers themselves to join our audience for moderated Q&As, and the popularity of remote participation via Zoom has helped us increase our audience’s access to the filmmakers themselves.”

As we continue to mull through the current pandemic, and while the convenience of watching something at home is a good and sometimes precautionary option, establishments like the Sudbury Indie Cinema try to remind the public of the importance of movie-going experiences. Beth Mairs is very passionate about providing the best experience for movie goers. “As a film programmer, I watch a lot of films! I preview and evaluate many titles before programming them for our big screen. Then I also watch a lot of films with audiences. Because I have experienced the same films on my laptop and then with an audience in our cinema, I can speak from my own experience to say watching with others is a very dynamic communal experience.” Mairs continues, “I find the film-going experience with others brings another level because we experience it together and hear when others laugh or hold their breath or gasp. This communal experience brings an intensity and commitment you just don’t have by yourself. Plus, the movie is usually shot with the intention of screening in a movie theatre – so the sound and visuals really pop in a well designed cinema like the Indie.”

Not only does Sudbury offer terrific platforms for artists, but the city also makes for a great family getaway. The Clarion Hotel is a 10-minute walk away from the Indie, and offers pristine accommodations (including an indoor pool and sauna, and delicious meals at the Hardrock 42 Gastropub). When you’re not catching movies or enjoying some downtown shopping, I also recommend visiting the “Big Nickel” and Dynamic Earth for more of Sudbury’s history, as well as spending a day at Science North, one of the few science museums left in Canada. The centre provides plenty of demonstrations, fascinating critters, and interactive exhibits that are educational and tons of fun.

For more information on the Sudbury Indie Cinema (162 MacKenzie St, Sudbury ON) or to buy tickets for upcoming screenings, visit the Sudbury Indie Cinema official website!

**********

Do You Tweet? Follow These Tweeple:

Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie