Pitt Meadows, BC – A wave of community support is rising to save the Hollywood 3 Cinema, a cherished independent cinema theatre that has served the town for 15 years. After announcing it will close its doors at the end of June 2025, the small cinema has become the center of an emotional grassroots movement to preserve a piece of Pitt Meadows’ cultural soul.
Why the Community Is Speaking Up
More than 3,000 people have already signed a petition to keep this independent cinema open. The Change.org petition titled Save Hollywood 3 Theatre in Pitt Meadows was launched by local resident Rodolfo Assinger, who described the theatre as a “pillar of our community.”
Supporters say it’s about more than movies. It’s about memories. Amy-Lyn Shaw recalled throwing a karate-club party at the theatre, where kids watched The Karate Kid and then posed like Daniel-san on the lawn. Others shared memories of affordable family birthday nights, where ticket prices were low, and the experience was priceless.
The Value of Second‑Run Cinemas
Hollywood 3 is one of the few remaining second-run theatres in the region—places that screen blockbuster films a few weeks after their initial release for a fraction of the cost, offering affordable independent cinema choices.
Ticket prices here are a rare throwback:
- Adults: $6
- Seniors and Kids: $5
- Tuesdays: Just $3
In a time of rising living costs, places like this offer accessible entertainment for all ages.
Why It’s Closing
Owner Moby Amarsi has confirmed the closure, citing the challenges of post-pandemic recovery and the continued rise of streaming platforms. With fewer customers and shifting viewing habits, the business model has become difficult to sustain, impacting independent cinema businesses.
Hollywood 3’s sister locations in Surrey and Duncan have already shuttered.
What’s at Stake
Residents fear the beloved theatre could be replaced by another dollar store or generic chain, erasing yet another local institution of independent cinema. The petition pleads with developers and city officials to explore alternatives—such as grants, partnerships, or community-led initiatives.
This fight is about more than a building. It’s about preserving identity, memory, and connection through independent cinema experiences.
What This Means for Everyday People
- Shared History: Theatres like Hollywood 3 are woven into the personal stories of generations and represent independent cinema’s impact.
- Budget-Friendly Fun: Ideal for families, students, and seniors looking for affordable entertainment at independent cinema venues.
- Community Power: This petition shows how quickly communities can mobilize when something meaningful, like independent cinema, is at risk.
How You Can Help
1. Sign the Petition – Add your voice at Save Hollywood 3 Theatre on Change.org
2. Share Your Memories – Use the hashtag #SaveHollywood3 to show your support on social media.
3. Read and Share Stories – Explore our other features on preserving local culture and what these independent cinema theatres mean to Canadian towns.
Final Scene
Hollywood 3 Cinema isn’t just a place to watch movies—it’s a place where memories are made within the realm of independent cinema. As Pitt Meadows residents fight to keep it alive, their voices remind us that local spaces, including independent cinema venues, still matter.
If this story moved you, don’t just scroll on. Speak up. Share. Show up.
Because sometimes, the final reel is still unwritten.
