CHILLIWACK FILM SOCIETY ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW
INDEPENDENT CINEMA IN DOWNTOWN CHILLIWACK
Basement Cinema will bring a new home for independent film, arts and community to the heart of downtown Chilliwack, with a special preview screening on October 23
The Chilliwack Film Society, the organization behind the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival, is bringing independent cinema back to the community with plans to open Basement Cinema, a new two-screen independent movie theatre located at 9232 Young Road in downtown Chilliwack.
Following the closure of Cottonwood Cinema last summer, a beloved Chilliwack institution and home to the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival for nine years, the Film Society salvaged the seats, projector and equipment from one of its theatres with the hope of one day creating a permanent cinema of its own. Now, thanks to CEPCO and the City of Chilliwack, that vision is becoming a reality.
Located just one block from District 1881, Basement Cinema will be a community-focused destination dedicated to independent film, arts and culture. The Film Society has secured a lease for the space, with plans to begin hosting screenings in spring 2027 and complete the two-theatre cinema by the end of that year.
“When Cottonwood Cinema closed, we knew how much the loss of a local theatre would mean to our community. We held onto the hope that we could give the seats, equipment and spirit of that cinema a new home. Thanks to the support of CEPCO, the City of Chilliwack and our community, we’re excited to bring independent cinema back to downtown Chilliwack and create a space where people can come together to experience film, discover new stories and connect through the arts. Basement Cinema is something we’ve been working toward for a long time, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences through the doors.” says Taras Groves, Festival Director
As a first glimpse of what’s to come, Basement Cinema will host its inaugural pop-up screening on Friday, October 23, 2026, as part of the 10th edition of the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival. The special event will feature a screening of the cult horror film Creep 2, followed by an in-person Q&A with director Patrick Brice.
As plans for Basement Cinema move forward, the Chilliwack Film Society is inviting the community to help bring the new theatre to life. Donations of all sizes will support the creation of a permanent home for independent cinema in Chilliwack, with opportunities for supporters to be recognized through special donor perks, including cinema tickets, recognition on a donor wall and personalized theatre seats. Those interested in contributing can learn more and make a donation at ciff.ca/attend/donate.
The new cinema represents an exciting next chapter for the Chilliwack Film Society and its continued commitment to creating opportunities for film, storytelling and community connection in the Fraser Valley.
About Chilliwack Film Society
The Chilliwack Film Society is the organization behind the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival, dedicated to celebrating independent filmmaking, supporting filmmakers and connecting audiences through the power of cinema.
