An Oakville cinema has cancelled all upcoming screenings of South Asian films after two alarming overnight attacks — an attempted arson and a shooting — occurred on its property within the span of a week.
Film.Ca Cinemas, located west of Toronto, announced the decision on Friday, citing safety concerns for staff and guests. “We recognize that many guests had eagerly anticipated these films, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience and disappointment this decision may cause,” said CEO Jeff Knoll in a statement. “This just cannot stand.”
Halton Regional Police are investigating both incidents. On September 25, two suspects used a flammable liquid to try to set the theatre’s entrance doors on fire. The blaze was quickly contained, causing limited damage. In a second incident shortly before 2 a.m. on Thursday, a suspect approached the cinema’s front entrance and fired several shots through the doors. Fortunately, no one was injured in either case, as the theatre was closed at the time.
The cinema suggested the incidents “may be connected to disagreements within the South Asian film industry,” prompting the decision to pull the screenings out of caution.
Similar violent incidents — including drive-by shootings — have been reported at other theatres across the Greater Toronto Area and in British Columbia. Some distributors of South Indian films in Canada allege there is an organized effort to block popular movie releases to control the market and protect profits.
The theatre remains open for regular business and is cooperating fully with law enforcement. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.