Curious Minds // Toronto: Cinema City

Toronto’s history is written on its screens. In this four-part series at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, journalist and film historian Eric Veillette takes a deep dive into the evolution of moviegoing in our city. From the golden age of neighbourhood picture palaces to the gritty grindhouses of Yonge Street, this course offers a unique look at how Torontonians have experienced cinema for over a century.

What You Will Learn Each Saturday session covers a different era and theme: - **June 6: The Nabes** – A look at the rise and fall of neighbourhood cinemas and the survivors like The Revue and The Fox. - **June 13: The Movie Chains** – How family-run empires like the Allens paved the way for the corporate multiplexes we know today. - **June 20: Classified by the Ontario Board of Censors** – A fascinating look at the history of film censorship in Ontario and the artists who fought back. - **June 27: The Grindhouses** – Exploring the moral panic of the '70s and the adult theatres that once lined Yonge Street.

Why Attend Whether you are a film buff, a local history enthusiast, or just curious about the buildings you pass every day, this series provides incredible context to the city's cultural landscape. Eric Veillette is a fantastic guide, and the setting at the historic Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema—a landmark in its own right—makes it the perfect place to discuss the future of the big screen.