New lease means Revue Cinema to remain open in Toronto's west end

A non-profit organization that runs a much-loved movie theatre in Toronto has signed a new five-year lease with its landlords to keep the cinema in business, both parties announced on Tuesday.

The Revue Film Society and Danny and Letty Mullin, owners of the building,announced the lease agreement in a news release on Tuesday, saying they are committed to the success of the Revue Cinema on Roncesvalles Avenue.

"Negotiations, even between longstanding partners, can often lead to misunderstandings, but the length and strength of our partnership with the Mullins and good faith on all sides allowed us to end up in a good place," the news release reads.

"In recent weeks, supporters across Toronto and beyond have shown their passion for the iconic cinema a testament to the community's dedication and the exceptional environment that the Revue Film Society and the Mullins have cultivated."

The news comes after tension over the summer between the society and the Mullins. In late June, the society obtained an injunction from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice that halted aproposed eviction until a trial could be held. That injunction was then extended until Oct. 30.

According to the terms of the lease agreement, the Mullinshave asked the society to make a contribution to St. Joseph's Health Centre.In turn, the society said it will donate advertising space worth more than $62,000 to the St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation over the length of the lease. The society has also agreed to holdan annual fundraising event in support of St. Joseph's Hospital.

"Patrons can look forward to exciting new programming and upcoming facility enhancements, including restoration of the heritage faade set to commence this year," Grant Oyston,society chair, said in the release.

"We are thankful to Danny and Letty for their continued partnership and support and to former Toronto Mayor John Tory for his mediation efforts which were of huge help in arriving at this successful result."

Announcement is 'great news', mayor says

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday that the announcementis "great news."

"It's great to see this important cultural hub in our city stay open, show films, and serve more delicious popcorn!" Chow said.

In early July,Oscar-winning filmmakerGuillermo del Torourged Chow in a post on X to help save the cinema.

"Can you help save the REVUE, one of Canada's most beloved, non-profit, cultural landmarks?" he wrote, tagging the mayor and posting a link to a petition with more than 25,000 signatures. "If not you, WHO can help? or HOW can I help?"

Several of del Toro's films have been filmed in Toronto, including Academy Award Best Picture winnerThe Shape of Waterand the upcoming Netflix movieFrankenstein.

According to the society, the Revue has been operating as a cinema since 1912.

"It screens hundreds of films every year, many to sold-out audiences. The Revue is one of the last movie houses to showcase the work of independent Canadian filmmakers, and its popular programs highlight the work of LGBTQ+ creators and directors from under-served communities," the society has said.