Film.ca Cinemas CEO says theatre and family have been subject to threats ahead of film's releaseIn a video statement posted to Twitter, Film.Ca Cinemas CEO Jeff Knoll said both the theatre and his family have received threats 'by a criminal element' that does not want the film Ponniyan Selvan shown.In a video statement posted to Twitter, Film.
"You will not intimidate us and you will not win. We stand with our Tamil friends and neighbours as well as all others who want to enjoy the movies in English, Tamil or any other language." Knoll says the theatre has been working closely with the Halton Regional Police Service. There will also be a police presence at the theatre through this week and into the weekend to ensure safety.
🚨An important message from our CEO. We will stand strong with our Tamil neighbours and friends, and will not be backing down to the threat of violence. #oakville #movies #PS1TamilInCanada pic.twitter.com/966yz24avmKnoll also says he suspects those behind the threats are connected to the people who slashed the theatre's screens in February, leaving about $4,500 in damage. Two people were later arrested in connection with the incident.
The Oakville theatre wasn't the only one targeted at the time. A Burlington cinema and another in Waterloo also had several of their screens slashed, with investigators saying the same suspects were involved in all three cases.Bheemla Nayak