Vancouver's Historic Park Theatre Saved by Rio Theatre Team and 9+ Film Industry Investors

Vancouver's historic Park Theatre, an 84-year-old cinematic landmark in Cambie Village, has been rescued from closure by a consortium led by Rio Theatre CEO Corinne Lea and Vancouver film producer Chris Ferguson, backed by a team of over nine prominent film industry investors. The announcement on October 27, 2025, confirmed that the theatre, which Cineplex ceased operating on October 26, will reopen under new management, preserving a vital cultural institution.

Corinne Lea, known for her 18-year tenure at the Rio Theatre, expressed her immediate interest in the opportunity, stating, "I was interested right away. But then I realized we were going to need some serious investment… So that’s when I reached out to Chris Ferguson, and it’s pretty amazing the team he’s been able to assemble in a very short time." Ferguson, a Vancouver-based film producer, quickly rallied support from a diverse group of local and international film professionals.

The investor group includes notable figures such as Vancouver-born "Stranger Things" star Finn Wolfhard, Academy Award winners Sean Baker and Samantha Quan, "Longlegs" director Osgood Perkins, and filmmaker Mike Flanagan. Ferguson noted the ease of securing backing, remarking, "I’ve never had an easier time raising money for a project in my life," highlighting the shared passion for preserving the movie-going experience.

The new operators plan to install a new 70-millimetre projector to replace the one removed by Cineplex, along with a laser projector, aiming for a reopening by December or January. The Park Theatre will focus on a "film-focused" experience, offering a mix of first-run movies and specialty screenings, distinguishing it from the Rio Theatre's broader entertainment offerings. Lea also indicated that securing a liquor license would be a priority.

The property's ownership remains with Acorn Heritage Holdings and 886622 Ontario Ltd., who have owned the site for over 40 years. Kat Eagleson of Eagleson Properties emphasized the theatre's significance, stating that venues like the Park are "part of the fabric of Vancouver’s cultural identity." This takeover ensures the continuation of the Park Theatre's legacy as a cultural hub in the Cambie Village neighborhood.