Toronto film fans looking forward to seeing “Tony” at Imagine Cinemas in the downtown area will need to look for another venue to view the film, as it has been unexpectedly removed from its Carlton location this week. This sudden change has come as a disappointment to both the cinema and its patrons.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for Imagine Cinemas described the decision to withdraw the film as “disappointing” and attributed it to “circumstances outside of its control.” They highlighted the continuing challenges within the cinema industry, specifically noting how anti-competitive practices hinder independent cinemas from screening films when larger cinemas seek to maintain exclusive rights, or “clearance,” in specific geographic regions.
The spokesperson elaborated, “This one was very disappointing for us as Tony is just the type of movie that patrons of The Carlton are hungry for and support in droves.” The film “Tony” chronicles the early career of famed celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, showcasing his formative experiences in a Provincetown kitchen that eventually influenced the trajectory of his life. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Matt Johnson, “Tony” has already received acclaim, not only for its compelling narrative but also for Johnson's previous work, which earned him the People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award at the Toronto International Film Festival for his 2025 release, “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie.”
Critically, “Tony” has fared exceptionally well, boasting a high score of 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong positive reception from audiences and critics alike. Despite its critical acclaim, Imagine Cinemas has faced significant obstacles in showcasing the film due to industry practices that favor larger cinema chains.
This incident marks the second occasion in this quarter in which Imagine Cinemas had to pull a film after ticket sales had commenced, following a demand for clearance from a larger, dominant cinema chain. The ongoing struggle for independent cinemas to thrive in a market dominated by major operators is evident, with the spokesperson articulating, “Independent cinemas have enough of a challenge to stay alive — all we ask is for fair business practices. Hard to believe that such anti-competitive practices are permitted in 2026.”
In light of these challenges, Imagine Cinemas is urging the public to take action by reaching out to the film's production company and its director to express support for films like “Tony” at independent cinemas. They are also suggesting that patrons file complaints with the Competition Bureau of Canada regarding the “unfair business practices being used in theatrical distribution in Canada.” This call to action reflects the cinema's commitment to fostering a rich and varied film landscape that champions unique and in-demand cinema experiences.
The statement concludes with a note of appreciation for the support of Imagine Cinemas Carlton and the broader community's ongoing patronage of independent cinema in Toronto. The theater reassured the public of its dedication to offering diverse, exciting films in the face of adversities presented by the current industry landscape.
As of the time of publication, A24, the production company behind “Tony,” had not responded to inquiries for comment regarding the situation.
