Will this be a new build?

Yes! We plan to work in collaboration with the Town of Qualicum Beach to develop a state-of-the-art facility. As a non-profit organization, Qualicum Beach Multi-Use Cinema Society will rely on grants, traditional fundraising events, and donations to fund the capital project.

Why not use The Village theatre?

The Village Theatre is currently occupied by Echo Players and their schedule is packed with rehearsals, set building, educational opportunities, and theatrical camps for youth, in addition to their current line-up of live theatre performances. Although Echo Players supports the idea of a new cinema, the Village Theatre space is not available.

Why Qualicum Beach?

Qualicum Beach is uniquely equidistant from communities on Vancouver Island that already have mainstream movie theatres - Nanaimo, Courtenay and Port Alberni - and is also the Oceanside gateway to Tofino, a popular tourist destination.

Are you showing movies now?

Yes! We are showing TIFF Circuit films and family-friendly matinees from Fall through early-Summer at the Qualicum Beach Legion Branch 76. We are partnered with the Qualicum Beach Collective to offer free outdoor films throughout the year and we host other special interest pop-ups at various locations around town. You can find the most up-to-date information on our Upcoming Shows page.

Will the cinema be family friendly?

People of all ages will be welcome! We are proud to be a part of a multi-generational community and want the cinema to reflect this. From a date night out to an afternoon family matinee to a documentary film series - there will be something for everyone!

Why Three screens?

A three-screen cinema isn’t excess—it’s the formula that allows a community cinema to truly thrive. Distributors often require new releases to run for extended periods with multiple showtimes. In a single-screen venue, that would mean one film—say a family blockbuster—taking over completely for weeks, which simply doesn’t work in a small market. The audience isn’t large enough to sustain that repetition, and the cinema loses the ability to serve other groups or maintain momentum.

With three rooms (for example 120, 90, and 60 seats), the model becomes exceptionally strong and self-sustaining. One screen can meet studio requirements, while the others remain fully active—showing additional new releases, second-run films, classics, film festivals, independent and Canadian content, and event cinema, while also accommodating private rentals and live music events. Seating can be matched to demand, programming stays fresh, and audiences keep coming back. Add in that flexibility, and it becomes a kind of magic formula: diverse revenue streams, constant activity, and broad community appeal—creating not just sustainability, but a surplus that can be reinvested into the cinema and shared back into the wider community.

How do I get involved?

Your support is always welcome! Sign-up to become a member, come watch a matinee or evening film, and spread the word about our mission. As we plan more pop-up cinema events and fundraising campaigns, we will need to draw on the strengths of the many volunteers in the community.