Derek’s Diary

After having been closed for almost three months from early August to late October, I was happy to learn a little over a week ago (better late than never) that Cinéma du Parc has re-opened its doors to Montreal fans of independent and international film! Though gone are the tattered movie wall posters and the little plush chairs that lent the small theater its quirky and rebellious charm, its new owner, Roland Smith, remains committed to presenting quality alternative films to those Montrealers, like myself, who have grown tired of the endless stream of mostly forgettable and brain-numbing Hollywood blockbusters.

To mark the opening of the theater (and to save some money), Desiree and I each bought a $40 movie card that allows each of us to watch eight movies before April next year. So far, we’ve watched three very different and unique films:

• Nadia’s Journey
• Bobby
• A Year in the Death of Jack Richards

Sadly, when we attended the evening showing of each of these films, most of the seats in the theater were empty. Though I try to remain optimistic that this is just a sign that not many people are yet aware that Cinéma du Parc has re-opened and that this time the theater will have a much longer and successful third life, in the back of my mind, I can’t help but think that the empty seats are a bad omen that the theater may once again just fade away into Montreal repertory movie theater history.

Let’s hope that its fans will not let that happen! Support quality film in Montreal and please buy more tickets to Cinéma du Parc!

Further reading:

• Third time lucky?