Toronto's beloved Imagine Cinemas Carlton has announced today that it has had to pull Matt Johnson's Anthony Bourdain biopic Tony from its programming after A24 allegedly withdrew the film due to "antiquated 'clearing' practices."
Citing "antiquated clearing practices" that "still exist in Canada because of the hegemonic theatrical exhibition market share that exists in this country," the letter claimed that A24 made the decision to withdraw the film from the theatre's Carlton location.
"We know this is disappointing, particularly for those who had already purchased tickets. We're disappointed too, and we're sorry that we won't be able to bring the film to you as planned," it continued.
The company encouraged moviegoers to contact A24 to express their complaints, as well as the Competition Bureau of Canada to "lodge a complaint about unfair business practices being used in theatrical distribution in Canada." The link can be found here.
The statement concluded, "We truly appreciate your support of Imagine Cinemas Carlton and your continued support of independent cinema in Toronto. We'll continue doing everything we can to bring unique, exciting and in-demand films to our screens. We thank you again for supporting us and our Carlton theatre. We hope you have a great weekend."
According to Imagine Cinema's website, no locations are screening the film as of publication. See the letter below.
NEW: Imagine Cinemas Carlton says A24 has withdrawn Matt Johnson's TONY "due to antiquated 'clearing' practices, ones that still exist in Canada because of the hegemonic theatrical exhibition market share." Worth noting that NIRVANNA was huge hit for Carlton, playing for months. pic.twitter.com/ygFm2vmG01
