Violence Forces Oakville Theatre to Halt Indian Film Screenings
Arson and shooting incidents linked to South Asian film screenings prompt safety measures at Film.ca Cinemas
Film.ca Cinemas in Oakville, Ontario, has temporarily halted the screening of Indian films after being targeted in two violent incidents within a week, authorities said.
The first attack occurred on September 25, when two suspects attempted to set fire to the theatre’s entrance using red gas cans. Security footage showed a grey SUV circling the parking lot before a white vehicle arrived, with the suspects pouring flammable liquid and igniting it. The fire caused moderate exterior damage but did not spread inside the building. No injuries were reported, as the theatre was closed at the time.
A week later, a second attack involved a single suspect firing multiple gunshots through the theatre’s entrance doors. Again, no one was injured, and the attack appeared targeted at the theatre’s programming of South Asian films.
Halton Regional Police confirmed both incidents are being actively investigated, releasing suspect descriptions and security footage to aid the probe.
Film.ca Cinemas CEO Jeff Knoll acknowledged the connection to the theatre’s Indian film screenings but assured patrons of safety measures and continued programming. “We want our community to feel safe. We didn’t miss a single show, and we remain committed to serving our audience,” he said.
The theatre has enhanced security measures and continues to cooperate with law enforcement to protect patrons and staff.