Toronto, Oct 3 — Two violent attacks in less than a week have forced cinemas in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area to cancel screenings of Indian films, raising concerns over targeted threats against theatres showing South Asian titles.
Film.ca Cinemas in Oakville was first hit on September 25, when two masked suspects poured flammable liquid at its entrance and set the doors on fire around 5:20 a.m. Security footage showed a grey SUV circling the site, followed by a white SUV arriving shortly before the attack. The assailants, dressed in black with masks and gloves, used red jerrycans to start the blaze. Flames caused moderate damage to the exterior but were quickly contained.
Just over a week later, on October 2 at 1:50 a.m., the same cinema was struck again when a gunman opened fire at its front doors. Police described the suspect as a heavyset, dark-skinned man wearing black clothing and a black mask. No injuries were reported in either case.
Halton Regional Police confirmed both incidents were targeted but said the motive remains under investigation. Authorities are urging the public to provide any information to the District Criminal Investigations Bureau. No arrests have been made so far.
Film.ca Cinemas initially resisted pressure to pull its South Asian lineup. CEO Jeff Knoll posted a defiant video on social media, saying, “We are going to play what we want to play, when we want to play it.” But after the second attack, the theatre reversed course.
In a statement on October 3, the management said it had removed Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 and They Call Him OG from its listings. “Evidence seems to show that the exhibition of South Asian films has led to these incidents at our theatre and others across the Greater Toronto Area,” the theatre noted. “While we do not wish to give in to threats, the situation has escalated. We must prioritize the safety of our guests and staff.”
As of Thursday, Film.ca’s website showed no South Asian movies on its schedule.
The wave of cancellations spread quickly. York Cinemas, another multiplex in the GTA, announced it would also stop screening Indian films until further notice. “Due to recent incidents, we will not be screening Indian movies until further notice,” York Cinemas said in a public statement. “This decision has been made with the safety of our employees and guests in mind.” The theatre confirmed refunds are being issued for advance bookings.
Police are continuing to probe the case, while theatres across the GTA weigh whether to follow suit.
