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The show will go on for the Revue Cinema — for now.
“The Revue Film Society, the non-profit organization that has operated the Revue Cinema since 2007, has received an injunction at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, halting a proposed eviction,” cinema officials said in a news release issued Friday night. “The court order prevents the landlords, Daniel and Leticia Mullin, from interfering with the Revue Film Society’s operations until trial.”
Before the positive turn, the cinema’s doors were set to close for good this long weekend. Thousands of fans signed an online petition to save Toronto’s longest-running movie theatre.
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A Change.org petition was started by a former employee after the west-end cinema announced on social media this week that it was being forced to close by July 1.
“As a former employee of the Revue, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of this cultural institution,” Kathryn T. wrote on the petition page.
“A sanctuary for movie-lovers, this space is indeed more than just an affordable cinema. It is a cultural hub, a forum for community interaction and inclusivity, and a custodian of our city’s vibrant arts scene.”
In an Instagram post Thursday, the Revue Film Society said it was unable to secure a renewal of their lease.
“While we continue to attempt to negotiate in good faith with our landlord, we are unsure if we will be able to open past June 30,” the cinema said in an update to its fans and followers. “In the event of a disruption, ticket holders, event rentals and members will be reimbursed.”
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However, the good-news update arrived on Friday night and cinema officials assured it will be business as usual for the time being.
“We are incredibly relieved to receive this injunction, halting what we believe would be an illegal eviction,” Grant Oyston, chair of the Revue Film Society, said in the news release. “The Revue Film Society is committed to maintaining and preserving the Revue Cinema and looks forward to continuing our work, including completing the façade restorations planned for this summer.”
According to the petition, the landlord is demanding “the disbandment of the non-profit Revue Film Society, a 50% rent increase, and to take over operations of the cinema.”
As of Friday afternoon, more than 12,000 people had signed the petition.
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The former employee is also asking Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, city councillor Gord Perks, NDP MPP Bhutila Karpoche, Liberal MP Arif Virani and any other elected representatives to step in and show support for the cinema and to ensure it continues operating.
“The Revue Cinema is not just a vital part of Toronto’s cultural fabric because it shows films,” Kathryn T. added. “It fosters a sense of community, and provides a venue for countless film festivals and local events. It also employs a team of hardworking and dedicated cultural workers who will lose their livelihood if nothing is done.”
The Revue opened its doors on Roncesvalles Ave. in 1912 and was used as a playhouse and cinema in its early years despite protests from Toronto Board of Education officials who had concerns that moving pictures would have a corruptible influence on schoolchildren.
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In 2007, the theatre nearly closed for good after it marquee collapsed under the weight of heavy snowfall. However, a fundraising effort by the Revue Film Society helped the cinema reopen later that year and turn it into a non-profit.
Cinema officials said a Revue closure would mean 23 employees would stand to lose their jobs.
“In total, there are 49 employees, contract artists, programmers and trailer editors whose livelihood will be affected,” the Revue news release said. “At a time when the cultural landscape in Toronto is experiencing crises and upheavals, this is a cruel and unwarranted blow.”
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