SAIT movie buffs looking for an independent theatre to get their film fix need to look no further than their own backyard.
The Plaza Theatre in Kensington, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month, remains the longest-running theatre in Calgary.
Pete Harris, Plaza programmer manager, said the theatre strives to promote a sense of history and community.
“Although we are the community theatre in Kensington, we also like to consider ourselves Calgary’s premiere affordable community theatre,” Harris said.
“We have been screening films here, in one way or another, throughout the 75 years we have been here.”
The building, originally built in the 1920s as an automobile garage, was converted into a movie theatre in 1935 and still retains its original exterior design despite several renovations.
Although massive multiplexes offer all of the bells and whistles to maximize the blockbuster movie experience, independent movie theatres like The Plaza, The Globe and The Uptown Stage and Screen cater to those with more discerning and obscure tastes. They offer Calgarians a chance to see films that can otherwise be difficult to track down.
The Plaza Theatre is notorious for screening cult classics such as Rocky Horror Picture Show and Monty Python, and regularly hosts film festivals and other events.
Theatre patron James Conrad recently saw a screening of the film “An Education” at the Plaza, and said that he enjoys the atmosphere and the film selection that the theatre provides.
“I used to watch the Oscars and see all of these foreign and independent movies that have been nominated, and wondered why I hadn’t heard about them when they were released,” Conrad said.
“Then I found the Plaza. They always seem to have something different and of a higher quality to offer.”
Harris agrees that the theatre strives to screen movies of a higher calibre.
“We really pride ourselves on screening quality films,” he said.
Seeing a movie at a multiplex usually runs into the $13 range, with no discounts for students. The Plaza charges only $7 for students and $9 for adults, with two-for-one admission on Mondays.
Conrad said that he enjoys the “homey” feeling that the theatre exudes.
“It’s a really low-key place, there’s nothing really flashy about it,” said Conrad.
“I enjoy the laid back atmosphere and I can feel a sense of community and history when I go there."
The Plaza is hosting the 6th annual GlobalFest FilmFest: Exposed from January 29-31. The festival will feature “revealing domestic and international independent documentary films from unique perspectives."
The Plaza Theatre in Kensington
