ByTowne Theatre

As we swing into full-blown autumn, there’s a nice selection of films at the ByTowne and the Mayfair to entertain us as the days get shorter.

Along with a mention of what the Ottawa International Animation Festival has in store, the ByTowne and Mayfair have a myriad of films for us in the vault.

In preparation for the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) on Sept. 24-28, there are two fantastic animated films from the vault in the first half of September. There are also some acclaimed classics, including the film that started the whole summer blockbuster trend. Plus new releases, including an Ottawa premiere.

There are many must-see older films from major directors at Ottawa’s independent cinemas this month, many of them 4K restorations. I’ll also remind you about the new releases I recommended in the last Magic in the Dark. 

There are must-see older films from major directors at Ottawa’s independent cinemas in the first half of August, many of them new 4K restorations. There’s also an interesting selection of current films and a special documentary for Rocky Horror fans, and even a sweet treat for the kids and a cat video fest.

What a marvellous variety of films there are at the ByTowne and the Mayfair in the first half of July! Films from cinematic masters—one of the best romantic dramas ever made, a Godard festival, a tribute to the Lumiere brothers, a historical/vampire thriller with the two lead roles played by the same actor, and the latest film from one of the most distinctive directors I can think of. And a cartoon treat for the kids! Plus many more films.

Something old, something new at the ByTowne and the Mayfair in the second half of June.

From Buster Keaton classics to new spy thrillers and Canadian dramas, the ByTowne and Mayfair have plenty of films for all types in June.

The ByTowne and the Mayfair are showing new films and bringing back some wonderfully exciting classics.

“May the fourth be with you!” Yup, it’s May 4—Star Wars Day. And the ByTowne has a pretty sweet deal for all of you Star Wars fans: see the first three Star Wars films, back to back, for the price of ONE regular ticket. There are also plenty of other films to enjoy our wonderful independent cinemas this month!

In the second half of April, my recommendations for films at the ByTowne and the Mayfair skew to films from the vault, including an Easter weekend treat for kids. I also recommend three recently released films, including my favourite of 2024.

What’s playing at local cinemas to kick April off? I’ll start with my recommendations of recently released films, then dive into a terrific selection from the vault, including one of my favourite silent films. All these are at Ottawa’s independent cinemas, the ByTowne and the Mayfair.

I was shocked! Shocked when I went through the ByTowne’s and the Mayfair’s calendars for the second half of March and tallied up 24(!) films I wanted to recommend to you. That’s more than I’ve ever recommended in one Magic in the Dark article. I’m positive that you’ll find films that will delight you no matter what your tastes are in cinema.

Before I dive into the Oscars (the ceremony is on March 2), let me suggest how kids can enjoy March Break! The ByTowne has a wonderful selection of movie treats for March Break (March 8 to 14). Their Klassic Kids series begins with two showings of Looney Tunes Cartoon Party—short films starring favourites like Elmer […]

The Oscar awards ceremony will be on March 2. We have many opportunities to see some of the nominees at the ByTowne and the Mayfair, along with many stellar films from the vault.