One Battle After Another: Independent Cinemas Standing Their Ground

Spark Forward is a series of essays about film and filmmaking.  It is part of Treepot Spark, a collection of initiatives aimed at igniting creativity and collaboration among creatives.

With only the Mayfair Theatre and the ByTowne Cinema left in Ottawa’s indie film scene: are independent cinema surviving or thriving?

Well-established cinema chains, the impact of Covid-19 and the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have stacked the odds against independent cinemas. It’s been one battle after another,  yet in 2026, they’re are still standing. 

In Ottawa, the Mayfair Theater and ByTowne Cinema are proving that cinema isn’t just about movies, but about community, connection, and supporting local culture. In an era of streaming services, audiences can watch movies at home for less money or for free. The question becomes: why would someone pay to see the same movie in a theatre? 

It goes deeper than the films being displayed itself: If independent theatres disappear, people will lose more than a movie screen. They’ll lose gathering places and creative hubs that bring the community together. These theatres offer inspiration through old film, independent movies and hosting special events/screenings.

These turn movie nights into shared experiences with others who are just as passionate to be there.

“The communal experience is irreplaceable,” said Andrew Lapointe, the manager at Mayfair Theatre.

The Mayfair Theatre opened in 1932 and has been running ever since. It has been locally owned and operated since day one. While the theatre has faced financial challenges over the decades, Mayfair has stood its ground for 93 years. 

“We offer something more valuable than the chains,” said Lapointe. “If you’re a movie buff, you get bored of the typical Hollywood offerings, it’s good to come here and see different things. It’s independent movies and classic movies. So there’s something for everybody.”

The local community plays a key role in keeping independent cinema alive. The variety, paired with affordable tickets has helped the Mayfair build a loyal audience, much like ByTowne Cinema, another independent cinema located in the heart of Rideau Street.

Emilie Dugas, the theatre’s manager, has worked at ByTowne on and off for nearly 20 years. She has seen the cinema go through hard times, escpecially during Covid-19. 

“During the pandemic, it almost closed,” said Dugas  “And the community raised a whole bunch of money to keep it afloat.”

The amount of support from Ottawa’s residents shows how deeply connected the community is with independent cinema. The support is also reciprocated by these independent theatres. Beyond screening films, both cinemas host special events and local showcases, giving emerging artists and filmmakers a voice and opportunities they might not find elsewhere.

“There are a lot of creative people,” said Dugas. “And with independent cinemas, we can often give people a little leg up displaying things they wouldn’t get otherwise shown in other places.”

Matthew Grieve

Reporter, Film Reviewer

Matthew Grieve is a journalism graduate from Algonquin College. He’s passionate about life and all its little wonders and is always chasing his next adventure. His ambition keeps him going, and he enjoys meeting new people, sharing stories, and watching movies. One day, he hopes to open a cozy bed and breakfast where he can welcome guests and swap stories with them.
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