A film by Roy Zheng documenting Revue Cinema’s 108-year journey of community engagement, creative programming, and being the pioneer for Toronto’s multicultural experiment.

The Revue Cinema, which opened in 1912 and briefly closed down for ten months in 2006, is now the oldest cinema in Toronto. By transforming itself into a not-for-profit organization and building a solid connection with its community, the Revue Cinema provides an excellent example of how indie cinemas seek to provide much more than mere entertainment: they enrich the community and anchor its history.

During the lockdown of COVID-19 pandemic, the documentary filmmaker, culture researcher Roy Zheng dove into Revue Cinema’s massive archive and virtually interviewed 34 observers of its ongoing legacy. This research culminated into a 50-minute linear documentary that explores Revue’s past, present and foreseeable future.

The documentary touches upon Revue’s early history, dating all the way back to 1913 when Torontonians just started to realize the impact of silver screens. It follows Revue's successful transformation into an ethnic cinema, serving majorly post-WWII German immigrants. After the fall of Festival Cinema - once the biggest chain for repertory theatres in Toronto - Revue closed down under financial difficulties yet was magically saved by a community-based, activist movement called Save the Revue. Ever since then, the cinema has been operated by a not-for-profit organization called Revue Film Society, providing a diverse range of curated programs and a platform for community engagement.

Revue Cinema: Reel Communities will guide you into this 108-year journey.