The Paramount Theatre is celebrating seventy years of bringing quality entertainment and cinema to the city of Kamloops, and to commemorate the date, Kamloops Film Society has been hard at work in conjunction with community partners to make this anniversary something spectacular.

Opening its doors on March 24, 1955, the Paramount Theatre began its days with cinema, vaudeville, dancers, and performers of all kinds. They continue that tradition today with community-driven theatre, workshops, and live entertainment. And they invite you to join them on a deeper look into the history that has brought them here today.

They kicked off the celebrations with an open house celebrating the history of the Paramount that included tours, stories, and even an appearance from the KFS mascot, Gaffer.

Local filmmaker Kora Vanderlip has put together a short film, 70 Years at the Paramount, to immortalize the theatre’s rich history. The short film can be found on the KFS website.

And even the Kamloops Museum and Archives is joining in the celebration with an exhibition focused on the history of film in Kamloops. Wide Angle takes a look at the history of not only film in Kamloops, but also Kamloops in film.

Bringing history to life, the exhibition has a variety of iconic pieces from the history of film in the region. Executive Director of the Kamloops Film Society, Colette Abbot, says the idea for the exhibit was brought to life by KFS volunteer, Dr. M. Colleen Stainton, who set herself on a path looking into the history of film in Kamloops, unearthing photos, archives, stories, and even historic equipment.

“Colleen approached the museum,” said Abbot, who described how Stainton pitched the idea of a paired exhibit to the museum. Without hesitation, the idea was soon turned into a reality. 

“Cinema has long been a vital part of our community’s cultural fabric, shaping our stories, bringing us together, and inspiring new generations. This exhibit is a wonderful way to celebrate the wider history of film in our region while also recognizing the role that spaces like the Paramount play in shaping our cultural identity,” Abbot describes.

Visitors can step back in time and take a deep, interactive look at the history of film. Along with the photos, archives, and stories found, original equipment was also unearthed. A projectionist who used to work at Paramount as well as other theatres got his hands on an old hand-crank projector. “People can see what the very first movie projector that was used in Kamloops, old 50s projectors,” says Abbot. “Cool stories, cool archive photos, the ups and downs of cinemas.”

The exhibition is geared towards children and adults alike.

“The Kamloops Museum and Archives is delighted to collaborate with the Kamloops Film Society in marking this special occasion of the Paramount Theatre’s 70th anniversary,” said Julia Cyr, Museum Supervisor at the Kamloops Museum and Archives. “We seek to highlight the historical and present-day significance of local film and filmmakers in Kamloops, and the power of film in our everyday lives.”

And if you don’t get your fill at Kamloops Museum, there is an ongoing gallery in the lobby of the Paramount Theatre showcasing the history and films that have taken place there. “We want to make an experience,” said Abbot. “The film brings people to the place, but then people get a chance to connect.”

Just like it was when cinema was just emerging, and communities gathered to take part in the excitement, the entertainment, and at times, the controversy of the theatre, Kamloops Film Society aims to keep the spirit of a community hub alive.

“There are a lot of full circles,” said Abbot. “It isn’t like you would just see a movie, there would be dancers and vaudeville and performers. Paramount is doing these again.”

If people want to support the Paramount and keep local cinema alive and well, there are many ways to take part in the ongoing success of Kamloops’ oldest theatre. Get out to events, become members of the Kamloops Film Society, donate your time and money, and, of course, you can always get out to see a film.

Some events coming up at the Paramount are: Star Wars May the Fourth event with costumes and film; Cineloops French festival May 9 and 10; and regular screenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer and the year. Check the website: www.thekfs.ca for more great events and films coming to Kamloops.