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The Screening Room: Kingston’s Boutique Cinema with Big-Screen Magic

By Sierra Saikaley

Operating in the heart of downtown Kingston, The Screening Room is more than just a movie theater. For years this family-run, local, boutique cinema has been a haven for film lovers and home for movies that don’t often find a place in mainstream multiplexes.

The magic of The Screening Room can at times be hard to put into words but it’s something you feel as soon as you’re there. I met with owner Wendy Huot to learn more about what makes this local spot so special and what I found is that The Screening Room doesn't just love movies, it loves people who love movies.

When you arrive at 120 Princess St. and head up to the 2nd floor your greeted immediately with the delicious smell of freshly made popcorn (with real butter), a cozy lobby decked out with iconic film posters and memorabilia and the chatter of excited moviegoers.

Once you’ve gotten your popcorn, candy and pop (or wine, tea, beer etc.) and get comfortable in the beautiful auditoriums, the exposed-stone walls and classic movie theatre green chairs take you right back to the golden-age of cinema.

If you’ve ever wanted to put yourself into the shoes of those who saw classics like ‘It Happened One Night’ or ‘Casablanca’ on the silver screen nearly 100 years ago then this is the place to do it!

Founded and built by Dan Wannemacher in the mid-90s and originally called Super Flicks & Food, it began as a discount movie theatre that played second-run mainstream movies. It would later be renamed The Screening Room and become the go to spot for film-lovers looking to scratch their specialty/art-house cinema itch.

In 2011, Wendy, who at the time was working as a librarian at Queen’s University and planning to open her own movie theatre, got the opportunity to take the reins of The Screening Room. She learned the business as she went, navigating the transition from 35mm film to digital projection and consistently put new investments into the theatre. Then in 2017/2018, she oversaw a major renovation of the cinema that made the space into what we know and love today. The renovation included a revamped snack bar, two new beautiful auditoriums, and would see the theatre become fully-wheelchair accessible.

Wendy and her wonderful team’s deep love of movies and dedication to their audience influence every element of The Screening Room experience from the atmosphere, to the service, to the events and the lineup of films.

"Everyone who works here loves movies, loves cinema. Most of what we play are newer films, whether it's like specialty art house films, maybe sort of smaller, more independent films or new movies that are also playing at the multiplexes. Right now, we've been showing almost all of the Best Picture Oscar nominees. A film like A Complete Unknown—a major Oscar frontrunner—is a big, high-profile release. We’ve been playing it since Christmas, opening it at the same time as the multiplexes, and more people are actually seeing it here than there,” Wendy explained, “We do play big, high-profile new films, but one thing that sets us apart is our commitment to classic films."

One of the most beloved aspects of The Screening Room is its commitment to showcasing a diverse range of films and truly having something for everyone, from families to the most die-hard cinephiles. While you can definitely catch some of the hottest new Hollywood films, their specialty is art-house, indie, foreign and classic cinema with unique events adding extra excitement to the experience.

Wendy shared, “I think my passion is so often watching older films in the theater—discovering or rediscovering a film from a different time and place, but seeing it as an event at the cinema with other people who are really into the movie. They're really excited about it, or maybe they’ve seen it before and they’re fans.”

The process of building a lineup is something Wendy has down to almost a science, always keeping their diverse audience in mind. Paying attention to feedback from the community, box office data, letterbox, the types of film niches and how often they are represented, Wendy strikes a balance that allows the lineup to remain diverse, interesting and most importantly, full of great movies!

Feedback is a huge part of this process so make sure to keep an eye out for their movie polls or drop a suggestion in their feedback box and you may just see your favourite film on the big screen soon.

While at a major multiplex you may feel encouraged to sit as far away from other people as possible, the coziness of The Screening Room and camaraderie with your fellow moviegoers only makes the experience richer. It’s not every day you get to cry or laugh or have your perspective changed alongside complete strangers but there’s always an opportunity for it at The Screening Room.

“Particularly if it’s a good-sized crowd—like, a lot of our classic films sell out or come close—there’s just this elevated energy where people are really on board," Wendy explained. She added, "If you’re watching Star Wars with a theater full of Star Wars fans, people are like, ‘Yeah!’ And you know, people cheer and clap after some of the classic film screenings. When you watch the film screen, watch it with other people who have that enthusiasm, that's palatable."

If you’re watching with a date, friends or even solo, The Screening Room serves as a gathering place for a diverse audience to have a transformative, shared experience. Whether through independent art films that challenge perspectives, international movies that broaden worldviews, or nostalgic classics that bring back cherished memories, The Screening Room is a place for collective appreciation of all things film.

As Wenndy put's it: “If you see a movie in the movie theater, you will always remember that you saw that movie. You won't necessarily remember all the details, but you remember you saw it. I saw it in the theater. I was in my 20s, or I was in my 50s, you'll always remember it, whereas I know, sometimes my husband, he'll start watching a movie at home and then realize that he's actually seen it before and forgotten it. And I don't think that happens with films that you see in the theater.”

Beyond just showing movies, The Screening Room has been integral in fostering a vibrant film culture in Kingston. It has played a significant role in supporting the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, the ReelOut Queer Film Festival and showing support for local filmmakers with events like their Show & Tell: A Filmmakers’ Open Mic Nights.

While The Screening Room loves Kingston, it’s clear Kingston loves The Screening Room just as much. In Spring 2023 when The Screening Room was in-need of a new projector for one of their auditoriums, their dedicated community of fans donated over $70,000 to pay for a new laser projector & sound system.

“I’m amazed by how much people donated,” Wendy mentioned, “And we always try to offer something fun or interesting in return. I think in the first week we had reached our target.”

The future of The Screening Room is bright with plans for improvements to their online systems, more exciting film series and events on the way and a boutique makeover for their oldest auditorium.

Wendy remarked, “I want people to walk into that theatre and be like ‘wow’ I can’t believe this exists in Kingston.”

Throughout the years, one thing has remained constant about The Screening Room: it is a labour of pure love, fueled by passionate moviegoers, dedicated staff, and a community that understands the value of supporting independent cinema. Whether you’re a lifelong film buff or a casual fan, going to The Screening Room means being somewhere movies truly matter.

The Screening Room will be buzzing with activity this week for the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (Feb. 26th - Mar. 2nd).

If you’re looking for family fun this March Break then you have to check out their $6 March Break Movies series with favourites like The Little Mermaid and The Goonies playing March 10th - 14th!