By Sheldon Spackman

theatre owner not concerned

Anti-abortion film showing in Red Deer this weekend

Jul 9, 2019 | 4:30 PM

A local movie theatre owner says he has no concerns about showing an anti-abortion movie that has stirred controversy throughout North America.

Bill Ramji, owner of Carnival Cinemas, says they have always shown controversial movies, and that “Unplanned” is no exception.

The American-produced drama is based on the true story of a Planned Parenthood clinic director in Texas who becomes an anti-abortion speaker.

“It’s not new to Carnival to screen these kinds of movies and by and large, we also listen to the public whether they are for it or against it,” he explains. “They appreciate the fact that Carnival brings in quite a number of art-related shows. The Reel Movie Museum also screens here regularly on Mondays, so in light of that, we felt that it was something that we would definitely exhibit.”

Ramji says that as far as he and his staff are concerned, they reserve no judgement.

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He reiterates that Carnival Cinemas is simply providing their guests with movie choices.

“It’s entirely up to the public and their decision if they want to come and see the movie, and we give them a choice.” Ramji says. “We leave it to the public to decide whether they would like to see a particular film and voice their opinions by choosing whether to buy a ticket or not.”

While theatres screening Unplanned in other cities such as Lethbridge are taking extra security measures, Ramji feels that won’t be necessary in Red Deer.

“As much as there are people that are not for this movie, we have not heard anything out there that there is a protest planned here or anything like that,” he shares. “My staff has been instructed and they know very well that we are not to engage with the public, whatever the public’s choice is. It’s going to be normal as usual.”

According to the Alberta Pro-Choice Coalition’s Facebook page, protests over the movie are planned for this weekend in Edmonton and Calgary.

A statement released by the coalition refers to Unplanned as a US-based anti-abortion propaganda film.

“The movie targets abortion providers and seeks to disparage women and gender diverse peoples that can get pregnant, while portraying healthcare providers as unethical,” the statement reads. “The movie falsely depicts the work of Planned Parenthood, a US organization that provides numerous services, including STI counseling services free of charge to low income Americans.”

The statement goes on to say, “Organizers of the Alberta Pro-Choice Coalition, in partnership with the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC) are gravely concerned this film may lead to violence perpetrated against abortion-care providers here in Canada.”

Cineplex released a statement on Monday defending its decision to screen the film, noting it was a complicated decision that wasn’t made lightly.

Ellis Jacob, president and CEO of Cineplex, told The Canadian Press that showing controversial films on the big screen is not new to him, Cineplex or the industry as a whole, and he’s confident the company made the right decision.

Jacobs said it’s important to remember that Canada is a country that values freedom of expression, and that audiences can decide whether or not they want to see the film.

“Unplanned,” which is rated 14A, is showing at select theatres across Canada for one week from July 12-18.

(With file from The Canadian Press)