When I moved to Halifax, I expected to miss the vibrant film scene of Toronto: the rep houses and the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF)—an event that, for me, always signalled the start of a new school year. To my pleasant surprise, I quickly discovered an exciting film community growing here in Halifax. For those who are looking for new ways to enjoy film and go beyond the confines of what your average chain multiplex offers, this is the guide for you!
The Carbon Arc
The Carbon Arc is an independent art house cinema located in the heart of Halifax. Run by volunteers and operating as a non-profit, this is as community-driven as it gets. A quaint, one-screen theatre located in the basement of the Museum of Natural History, Carbon Arc showcases indie, foreign, arthouse and Canadian cinema, as well as hosts local film festivals to celebrate Halifax-made films both old and new. With screenings almost every Friday and Saturday, the Carbon Arc is the place to go if you’re looking for something unconventional. Whether it’s a thought provoking documentary, a critically acclaimed foreign film, or a hidden gem ready for your appraisal, the Carbon Arc offers a diverse array of screenings for any cinephile.
Propeller Arcade
The Propeller Brewery on Gottingen is a 3-in-1 destination for students looking for fun. This local craft brewery has a sit-down bar on its top floor and an arcade on its bottom floor—and near the end of each month, the Propeller Arcade hosts one to two film screenings in their projector room. The best part? They have a rotating catalog of pinball machines and other arcade units, and each screening’s ticket grants unlimited arcade play before the film. Unlike the Carbon Arc or Cineplex, the Propeller primarily plays older films with a bent towards genre fare and cult classics. Campy horror, Hong Kong action thrillers, low-budget B-movies, and old Godzilla films? The Propeller usually features movies that are best enjoyed with its active and lively crowd. The Propeller Arcade is the place to go when you’re looking to re-live an old favourite or discover a new trashterpiece!
Any more?
And that just scratches the surface! There are numerous other venues and events throughout the city, albeit on a less consistent schedule—not to mention the litany of film festivals throughout the year. Special shout to the Atlantic International Film Festival (AIFF) for tending to my homesick TIFF blues last September!
The best resource to keep track of movie screening news in Halifax appears to be @HalifaxCinema on Twitter/X. From new release announcements at Cineplex to free screenings at the Bus Stop Theatre, @HalifaxCinema covers it all!
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