A cinema west of Toronto has cancelled screenings of Indian and South Asian films after two violent incidents at its Oakville location last week, raising safety concerns for staff and patrons and highlighting tensions within the South Asian film industry, CBC News reported.

Halton police said that on September 25, two suspects used a flammable liquid to set the theatre’s entrance doors on fire.

The blaze was contained and caused minimal damage. In a second incident shortly before 2 a.m. on Thursday, a suspect fired multiple rounds from a handgun at the theatre’s front doors. No one was injured.


Film.Ca Cinemas CEO Jeff Knoll told CBC News, "We remain open for business and will fully co-operate with and assist law enforcement in retrieving any information about the perpetrator and conspirator and bringing them to justice — because this just cannot stand."

The theatre said both incidents "may be connected to disagreements" within the South Asian film industry. For the safety of staff and guests, it has decided to pull all Indian and South Asian screenings. Knoll added, "We recognize that many guests had eagerly anticipated these films, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience and disappointment this decision may cause."

Some distributors of South Indian films in Canada allege an ongoing campaign is trying to restrict popular releases in theatres to control the market and safeguard profits.