Hay River’s Enduring Love for Cinema
Hay River, Northwest Territories, recently saw a shift in its local cinema landscape with the closing of the Capitol Theatre on Tuesday evening. For many, the Capitol wasn’t just a place to watch movies; it was the heart of film culture in the region, hosting events like the Yellowknife International Film Festival and the Dead North Film Festival.
Scott Clouthier, a dedicated member of the Hay River Film Society, expressed his concern about the loss. “I think not having a space to be able to show those sorts of works is a big loss,” he stated. “It’s really a call to action, so to speak, to protect the Riverview Cineplex, which in itself is an awesome little independent theatre.”
A Hub for Independent and Local Films
Over the past four years, the Hay River Film Society has consistently utilized the Riverview Cineplex for monthly screenings. This initiative has been instrumental in showcasing Canadian, Indigenous, and locally produced films, fostering a vibrant movie-going community. The closure of the Capitol Theatre presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Hay River.
Clouthier envisions a potential future for the town, suggesting, “Maybe there’s an annual film festival we can start in Hay River that maybe represents all of the NWT.” He believes this closure underscores the richness of Hay River’s offerings, despite its relatively small size.
Riverview Cineplex: A Beacon of Resilience
“Despite the fact that we are a relatively small town, we do have a movie theatre, we do have a curling rink, we do have a lot of stuff that comparable size towns don’t have,” Clouthier remarked. The operators of the Riverview Cineplex are committed to maintaining their current operations and welcome visitors from across the Northwest Territories.
Terry Rowe, property manager for Rowes Realty, the theatre’s owner, noted the existing regional draw. “We definitely get visitors from the communities,” he said. “I guess it’s kind-of a regional theatre, which is nice. It’s small, but I think it is a tourist attraction a little bit for Hay River – I guess a little bit more so now.” The theatre also benefits from increased attendance during local events like the territorial track and field championship.
The Key to Success: Community Ownership and Loyalty
Riverview Cineplex has proven remarkably resilient in the face of changing movie-viewing habits. Rowe attributes this success to the theatre’s loyal customer base and, crucially, the fact that Rowes Realty owns the building, eliminating the burden of leasing expenses. “Without those benefits, it might be difficult to operate a movie theatre in the North, especially in smaller communities,” he explained.
Built in the late 1990s, the Riverview Cineplex was conceived as a community investment. “Most kids that have grown up here since that time have probably worked at some point at the theatre,” Rowe added, highlighting its deep roots within the town.
The story of Hay River’s cinema is a testament to the power of community, the importance of independent theatres, and the enduring appeal of the movie-going experience.
