The Kamloops Film Society (KFS) invites students from Thompson Rivers University to be part of the only independent theatre in town.
The Paramount Theatre, located at 503 Victoria Street and operated by the Kamloops Film Society (KFS), is developing new strategies to attract more students from Thompson Rivers University.
Currently, the Paramount Theatre is the only cinema in Kamloops providing discounted admission for university students—$11.50 with a valid student ID.
“We want to keep this place affordable,” Programming Manager Sam Theriault said.
In addition to regular discounted tickets, the theatre offers an ongoing membership program starting at $25 that allows members to attend screenings for just $9.50.
“We are seeing the possibility of having a TRU membership program. It is a working process. We haven’t discussed further enough to have a concise idea,” Festival Producer & Communications Manager Ana Monteiro told The Omega.
“Even though we are [located] in downtown, some students may not even know that we exist. If they come during the week, they may think that the theatre is not working because we are only open Thursday to Friday,” Monteiro said.
The KFS aims to stay responsive to audience interests. A suggestion box located near the entrance invites visitors to leave notes with the films they’d like to see featured.
“If there is a film that someone really wants to watch, they should reach out to us through our Social Media or suggestion box,” Monteiro said. “We want people to watch stuff from their home country. There are strong communities from around the world in Kamloops.”
The Paramount Theatre recognizes its role as Kamloops’ only independent cinema. While the Cineplex at Aberdeen Mall focuses on mainstream releases, the Paramount provides audiences with a more diverse selection of films on the big screen.
Diversity is an important topic in relation to the movies or festivals held at the theatre.
“We play stuff that lets you expand your film knowledge. Part of our role in this city is cinema education. Every month, classic movies are played. We are playing movies that you may have never thought of seeing on the big screen,” Theriault said. “When I am programming the movies for the month, I try to keep in mind how diverse Kamloops is. When it comes to new releases, I try to pick up movies that are a little under the radar or competing for major awards. Last year, we were the only theatre playing [the Academy award-winning film] Anora.”
Every March, the KFS, in partnership with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, hosts the Kamloops Film Festival (KFF). A celebration of culture that features the Kamloops Independent Short Shorts (KISS) Festival and the Indigenous Film Festival (IFF).
In addition, the KFS hosts the Thursday Film Series (TFS) along with several micro-festivals, including CinéLoops, the French Film Festival co-hosted by the Kamloops Francophone Association, the Kamloops Queer Film Festival (QFF) in collaboration with Kamloops Pride, and the Kamloops Black Film Festival (BFF) in partnership with the Valid Dreams Foundation.
Although it may often be overlooked, the KFS is a part of Kamloops that many TRU students would be interested in. The diversity of the movies shown and the openness to suggestions make it a great space for those wanting to watch classic or hometown movies on the big screen.
Information on volunteering, movie schedules, or the theatre in general may be found here or by calling 236-425-FILM (3456).