Cinéma du Parc gets a major makeover, with help from Denis Villeneuve

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“It’s a lot of emotion,” said Cinéma du Parc’s executive director, Roxanne Sayegh, contemplating the completion of a $1.4-million renovation project for the beloved Montreal theatre, which will celebrate 50 years of operations in 2027. 

On top of structural reinforcements, the work included the overhaul of the mezzanine, main lobby, washrooms and the seats in one of its theatres, bringing Cinéma du Parc into the modern era. The project was made possible thanks to a major donation from Quebec filmmaker Denis Villeneuve through the Conseil des Arts de Montréal’s fiscal sponsorship program, as well as funds from the city of Montreal and Quebec film funding organization SODEC, among others. 

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The Dune director’s donation “sends a strong message,” Sayegh said. “He’s a national darling who believes in the future of neighbourhood cinemas, of independent cinema. … It’s a vote of confidence that will allow us to continue our mission. 

“We have a duty, a responsibility to take care of independent cinemas in Montreal,” she added. And that’s exactly what’s happening, “with Denis Villeneuve’s support, the government’s support, the city’s support and all the people and other donors supporting.” 

Cinéma du Parc raised funds to replace seats in two of its three theatres in 2017 by selling community bonds to 150 investors, 75 of whom renewed their commitment in 2022. 

Leading the renovations was architect Patrick Blanchette of Blanchette Archi.design, who worked with the Cinéma du Parc team on a concept that pays tribute to film history and the history and identity of the movie theatre. 

The esthetic of American filmmaker David Lynch was a key reference point.

“He’s an iconic director for Cinéma du Parc,” Sayegh explained. “His films really marked the people who come to our theatres.” 

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Soft lighting, velvet fabrics and the colours red and black were among the elements woven into the makeover.

“When people come to the Parc, they step out of the noise and lights of the street and come down to the basement,” Sayegh said. “We’re maybe the last basement theatre in the city. We wanted to create a radical break from the outside world. We also wanted a design that will stand the test of time. We didn’t want elements that were too flashy or felt like they were from another era.” 

The cinema’s mezzanine and lobby were completely revamped earlier this spring and summer. The old candy counter was replaced by two new counters — one upstairs and one downstairs, with multiple cashes to keep things moving when times are busy. Cinéma du Parc obtained its alcohol permit last year and now offers wine and micro-brew beers among its refreshment options. 

Cosy couches and booths have been strategically placed for an intimate, loungy vibe. And the old washrooms have given way to a single, gender-neutral facilities featuring a series of 10 portraits of film stars from various eras by Italian illustrator Massimiliano Di Lauro, exhibited in the toilet stalls. 

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A similar cinematic tribute will soon be found on the mezzanine, where an exhibition of classic arthouse film posters selected by emblematic figures from Cinéma du Parc’s history will soon be installed. 

“It’s important to remember where we came from,” Sayegh said. “It’s a tribute to all the builders, all the people who made Cinéma du Parc what it is today.” 

These changes are in addition to the replacement of the seats in Cinema 1, which took place in the summer of 2023. 

Meanwhile, some things — such as the timeless neon signs in front of each of Cinéma du Parc’s three theatres — have been preserved alongside a few new elements, including a vox-pop photo/video booth where visitors can drop in and take pics or answer questions about their thoughts on Quebec cinema, Oscar contenders etc. 

All of that is more than enough to place a smile on Sayegh’s face. 

“It has put a new wind in our sails,” she said. “It provides momentum for a cinema we love to remain an important venue and welcome a new clientele. We want people to hang out and spend time here; we want it to be a convivial, welcoming place.” 

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While the state of independent movie theatres can feel increasingly precarious, Sayegh believes Cinéma du Parc’s ability to institute such important renovations at this time is a testament to the venue’s solid footing and deep roots in Montreal’s cultural landscape. 

“The stars were aligned,” she said. “It was a good time to make these investments. It comes with a risk, but the moment was right. The Parc has not always been in this position, but this time it was. Each cinema has a story, and its challenges. Our status is unique in Quebec, and in the country.” 

For more information, visit cinemaduparc.com 

 tdunlevy@postmedia.com

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