Plans underway to open independent movie theatre in downtown Chilliwack

CHILLIWACK – The Chilliwack Film Society announced Wednesday morning that it plans to bring independent cinema back to Chilliwack by opening a new two-screen movie theatre in downtown Chilliwack next year.

In a statement sent to Fraser Valley Today, the Chilliwack Film Society says it plans to open Basement Cinema at 9232 Young Road in downtown Chilliwack.

The Chilliwack Film Society is the organization behind the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival.

The society says the closure of the Cottonwood Cinema in 2025 was a loss to the community due to its history as a beloved Chilliwack institution and as the home of the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival for nine years.

The Chilliwack Film Society says it salvaged the seats, projector and equipment from one of its theatres with a goal of creating a permanent cinema of its own one day.

Now, thanks to CEPCO and the City of Chilliwack, that vision is coming to fruition.

Located just one block from District 1881, the society says Basement Cinema will be a community-focused destination committed 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,” said Taras Groves, festival director for the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival. “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.”

As a preview of what’s to come, Basement Cinema will host its inaugural pop-up screening this Friday, October 23, 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 materialize, the Chilliwack Film Society says it 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. People who are 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.