About Metro Cinema
Who We Are
Metro Cinema is a community-based not-for-profit society devoted to creating and fostering opportunities for the exhibition of diverse, unique shared viewing experiences in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
We Believe
- Film and media arts are significant art forms.
- Film and media arts are a means of fostering open communication, education, and community.
- Film and media arts should be inclusive and accessible to everyone.
What We Do
- We program a diverse blend of film and media arts by presenting educational, independent, cultural, and innovative works.
- We facilitate engagement and interaction between audiences and the content by offering additional resources and interactive experiences.
- We provide diverse opportunities for individuals or community groups to curate series, host film festivals and special events, and screen their own works.
- We operate with the ongoing assistance of a large volunteer base, keeping our programming as affordable as possible for our patrons while also providing an opportunity for them to get more involved with us.
How To Get Involved
Metro Cinema has many ways for people to get involved as volunteers with the society. Volunteers assist in setting up screenings and events, running concession and bar, designing posters and promotional materials, and by getting involved in the society’s board and committees. You can view our volunteer opportunities here.
Land Acknowledgement
Metro Cinema wishes to recognize that we work and live on Treaty No. 6 territory of the First Nations; the Cree, Nakoda Sioux, Stony, Saulteaux, Cree-Iroquois, and traditional lands of indigenous peoples including the Métis, with holdings beyond the official treaty with the Crown.
Safe Space Policy
Metro Cinema is committed to providing a safe environment to all attendees, staff and volunteers. Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, abusive, or discriminatory language or behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to remove any patron creating a hostile environment. You can read the full policy here.
Metro Cinema receives ongoing support from these Arts Funders
Metro Cinema is grateful for the additional support from these funding partners
Metro Cinema is also grateful for the following series sponsors: Edmonton Arts Council, Prairie Records, and Sea Change Brewing Co.
Community Support
Metro Cinema is helped by the support of the Alberta Media Arts Alliance, Alberta Media Production Industries Association, CJSR, FAVA, Telefilm Canada, and the Harper-Kennedy Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation.
About the Garneau Theatre
The Garneau Theatre was designed in the Art Moderne style by William Blaikie for Suburban Theatres of Edmonton. Construction was completed in the summer of 1940, and the first screening (The Great Waltz) was on October 24, 1940. The theatre has had many styles of programming over the years, under Suburban (Bill Wilson, Manager) until 1971, Famous Players (1971-1990), Magic Lantern Theatres (1991-2011) and Metro Cinema (2011-Present).
A renovation to the building exterior in 2009 helped usher in a new set of tenants sharing the building with the theatre: Transcend Coffee, Zouzou Hair Group, La Poutine, and Kabuki Japanese Restaurant.
The theatre features 300 seats on its main level, and a distinctive 200-seat mezzanine level. A permanent stage structure has been in place from the beginning, and the Garneau has often been used for talks, performances and community gatherings.
Leaseholders since 2011, Metro Cinema has been working to restore the vintage architectural touches of the theatre, while meeting the needs of contemporary cinema. The theatre is capable of screening classic 35mm film and a variety of contemporary formats.
The lobby of the Garneau is now outfitted with the ability to support film screenings, live performances, presentations, and meetings. A very active gallery in the lobby has a rotating monthly exhibit of work by local visual artists.