When the news hit last week about the imminent closure of the Original Princess, the community outcry was overwhelming. We were told the story hit a record in reader interest at the Record, and that the community "really wants the (Original) Princess to stay." We do, too! Our landlords sat up and took notice when the public shared with them their outrage over their plans: they apologized for misinforming us about a signed lease with a VR firm. The Original is not saved yet: the eviction notice remains and we still have to negotiate a new lease with the Huether Hotel. We hope we can reach an agreement that is fair on all sides, but it is not done yet. We will keep you posted. Thanks, everyone, for showing your support for us. So far, it has made a difference.
In the meantime, great movies continue. Premiering at the Original is the "lost" Aretha Franklin documentary, Amazing Grace: "Watching it is a transcendent, spine-tingling, uplifting, utterly joyous experience." We could use some of that!
Finally, because of the chaos our business was thrown into last week, for the first time in 34 years, there will be no printed Original Film Guide for the month of May. We sincerely hope we will be able to resume the Film Guide in June. We will be showing a diverse mix of films at the Original through May; there just won't be a printed calendar. Keep updated by going to our website regularly (Coming Soon), looking out for these e-blasts (if it's not part of your inbox, make sure you move it there) and following us on Facebook [2], Instagram [3] and Twitter [4].
Thanks again for the support. It means everything to us and, for the sake of arts and culture in the community, Waterloo Region, too.