REGINA – Despite the overwhelming prevalence of online streaming platforms, independent movie theaters across Saskatchewan are reporting a significant surge in business and audience engagement. Iconic venues such as the Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon, along with Regina’s IMAX and the Regina Public Library (RPL) Film Theatre, continue to draw consistent crowds. Industry experts suggest that while streaming offers convenience, it cannot replicate the immersive visual and auditory experience of a large screen, nor the unique emotional connection that comes from watching a film as part of a collective audience.
While streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime have changed how people consume certain genres, such as documentaries, Saskatchewan’s theaters are successfully pushing back through creative and diverse programming. For instance, the Regina Public Library Film Theatre maintains its relevance by offering free admission to the public, ensuring cinema remains accessible to the community. Meanwhile, the Broadway Theatre has found success by prioritizing restorations of classic films and hosting special director-led screenings that offer an experience far beyond what is available on a home television.
Looking ahead, theater owners are optimistic that major cinematic events will continue to drive growth well into the future. High-profile releases, such as Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey, scheduled for July 17, 2026, are expected to create massive theater traffic. By focusing on these large-scale “event” movies and fostering a sense of community, Saskatchewan’s independent cinemas are proving that the traditional theater experience remains a vital and resilient part of the province’s cultural landscape.
