'Something to remember this theatre by': Fans of the Towne Cinema 8 collecting submissions for book
A local film collective is looking to keep the memory of a defunct downtown movie theatre alive.
Last month, the Towne Cinema 8 - located at 301 Notre Dame Avenue - went up for sale after being closed since the pandemic.
The Towne 8 was the last commercial movie theatre to operate in downtown Winnipeg. The announcement of its sale caused an outcry from the local movie-loving community.
"Our collective had quite the emotional response to the closure of this cinema and we also noticed that many folks did, as it was one of the more accessible theatres remaining in Winnipeg," said Meganelizabeth Diamond, director of the Winnipeg Underground Film Festival (WUFF).
"It was a place you could go and see a movie for five dollars," she said.
Diamond is one of the organizers of the "Towne 8 Project," which seeks to collect media, memories, and stories about the nearly 42-year-old theatre. "We are accepting submissions with a rolling deadline in response to the closure of our beloved downtown cinema," Diamond said.
Submissions can include photos and video of the theatre, as well as essays, collages, paintings, and other tributes.
Diamond said they have been receiving a lot of written submissions so far. "Folks just remembering some of their favourite films, or some of the funnier instances they’ve had at the theatre."
She said all submissions will be collected into a book about the Towne 8 to be released next year.
They also hope to hold a film screening at the book launch.
"We just really wanted to harness that energy and have something to remember this theatre by," said Diamond.
Submissions to the Towne 9 Project can be made at the WUFF website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.