Hot Docs & Blue Ice Film Take Over Bloor Cinema

TORONTO: Hot Docs and Blue Ice Film have aligned to take control of the Toronto film house Bloor Cinema, which will reopen this fall under the new management.

Hot Docs assumes responsibility for managing and programming the cinema year round. It also plans to use the venue for its annual festival and monthly Doc Soup screening series. Documentary films will account for the lion’s share of what is to be shown at the revamped cinema when it reopens this fall, though Bloor Cinema will also continue to host a number of Toronto’s film festivals—Toronto Jewish Film Festival, the After Dark Film Festival and the Images Festival, among many others—and other programming. Renovations are in the works to upgrade the cinema’s technical equipment and sound system, audience seating, façade and lobby areas.

“Independent cinemas like the Bloor are vital to the city’s vibrant film culture,” said Chris McDonald, Hot Docs’ executive director. “Blue Ice Film and Hot Docs want to see them thrive.”
 
“It’s a dream come true,” added Carm Bordonaro, the now-former owner of the Bloor Cinema. “The business model has completely changed and we need visionary investors and organizations like Hot Docs to protect these neighborhood cinemas. I want to thank the community and our avid supporters who have kept the Bloor alive all these years.”

“It’s a remarkable opportunity, and we are ready for the challenge,” added McDonald. “The Bloor Cinema has been a cherished home to Hot Docs for the past 12 years and we’re excited to be a part of the revitalization of this much-loved venue. It’s fantastic for Hot Docs, film lovers and the entire neighborhood, which will continue to enjoy its own independent film house. This new chapter wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of Carm, Paul and their family, and the vision of Blue Ice.”