Canada: Screening Of Indian Films, Including ‘Kantara Chapter 1’, Halted At Theatre In Ontario After Arson & Shooting Attack Within Week; VIDEO
**Ontario Movie Theatre Halts Screening of Indian Films Following Multiple Attacks**
A movie theatre in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, has stopped screening Indian films, including the popular title *Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1*, after experiencing two violent attacks within a week. Officials at Film.ca Cinemas believe these attacks were targeted due to the theatre’s exhibition of South Asian movies.
The first incident occurred on September 25, when two men attempted to set the theatre on fire. CCTV footage released by the cinema shows the suspects, dressed in black hoodies, pouring inflammable liquids at the theatre’s entry gate before igniting it. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the exterior, causing only moderate damage. The footage also captures the perpetrators fleeing the scene after the arson attempt.
“This is not the first time we’ve faced vandalism and threats tied to the screening of Indian films,” the cinema stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “While these repeated acts are troubling, they will never deter us from providing a safe and welcoming place for our community to enjoy cinema together.”
Adding to the tense situation, a shooting incident was reported outside the theatre on Thursday. Thankfully, no one was inside the cinema hall at the time of the shooting, and no injuries were reported.
Jeff Knoll, CEO of Film.ca Cinemas, expressed regret over the decision to halt screenings, acknowledging the disappointment it may cause. “We recognise that many guests had eagerly anticipated these films, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience and disappointment this decision may cause,” he told *The Times of India*.
Knoll further explained, “As these incidents have occurred outside during our overnight hours, we believe that the intention is to cause property damage that will result in forcing our hand to close our doors.”
Following these attacks, the theatre has cancelled all screenings of *Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1* and other South Asian films to ensure the safety of its staff and patrons.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges faced by cinemas showcasing diverse cultural content and underscores the importance of community support and security for such venues.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/canada-screening-of-indian-films-including-kantara-chapter-1-halted-at-theater-in-ontario-after-arson-shooting-attack-within-week-video
