Matt Johnson’s new film ‘Tony’ pulled from Imagine Cinemas Carlton

Toronto viewers eagerly anticipating a screening of "Tony" at Imagine Cinemas in the downtown core have been left disappointed as the film was abruptly removed from its Carlton location this week. The decision, described as "disappointing" by the theatre, is attributed to circumstances beyond its control. In a statement to CityNews, a spokesperson for the cinema claimed that anti-competitive practices within the industry are preventing independent cinemas from screening movies in certain areas when larger cinemas seek "clearance" in those regions.

The theatre expressed disappointment, noting that "Tony" would have been a highly sought-after film by its patrons. "Tony" is a biographical film about celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain's early career, directed by Canadian filmmaker Matt Johnson. It received strong reviews from critics and holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Imagine Cinemas reported that this is the second time in the quarter that a film has been pulled from the theatre after an agreement to show the movie was already in place and tickets were sold due to a "dominant cinema crying clearance."

The spokesperson urged the public to contact the film's production company and its director to demonstrate demand for such films at independent cinemas and to file complaints with the Competition Bureau of Canada regarding unfair business practices in theatrical distribution in Canada. The theatre emphasized its appreciation for the support of Imagine Cinemas Carlton and the wider community's backing of independent cinema in Toronto, promising to continue offering unique and in-demand films at their screens. A24, the film's distributor, did not respond to a request for comment.