by Anne Miller –
I learned long ago that, much as we love something, inevitably it comes to an end. Endings are sometimes met with sadness or regret, as in the case of watching Star Cinema collapse into rubble not long ago, leaving a hollow space where, once, warm memories were made. But, as owner Sandy Oliver knows, emptiness is also receptivity. Plans are in place to resurrect the cinema in its original location within a couple of years. In the meantime, Sandy offers current films in temporary digs, an old “garage” with 18-foot ceilings, allowing only one screen and calling for “serious baffling” (major soundproofing).
From childhood, loving the little projectors in the classroom, to offering NFB films during her time working in a transition house, Sandy has always enjoyed film. Her involvement, though, became much more serious when she trained as a projectionist at the Salt Spring Cinema in 1994. A couple of years later, Louise Nye sold the cinema and Sandy managed the little theatre for the new owner. In early 1998, she was approached by then-mayor of Sidney, Don Amos, asking her to consider a cinema in Sidney. She enthusiastically took the challenge. Within six months, Star Cinema opened with the support of friends, locals and family, not least being Sandy’s sister, Carolyn Lewis. For many people, she was the warm and lovely face of Star Cinema until her death in 2012.
What Sandy loves about her work are the amazing people who come to the cinema. It’s important to her that people make connections as that makes all the difference. Her purpose is to serve the community by offering different options to Sidney’s diverse demographics – seniors, teens, young families and children. On Wednesdays, the hard-of-hearing are drawn to the open captions on films. Those interested in the educational and social value of film appreciate the special events, where a film is followed by discussion, sometimes led by a guest speaker. Sandy knows this creates compassion and empathy for issues and those who live circumstances that are similar to that portrayed on film. They can understand, and feel understood. One example was the showing of the movie Beautiful Mind. It was followed by a discussion about mental health and it got people talking. One woman was so moved as she could finally better understand what her son was going through.
In return for Star Cinema’s commitment to being welcome, affordable and dedicated to the community, the community gives back. By 2013, Sidney supporters donated $185,000 to allow Star Cinema to purchase new digital projectors and new seats.
Sandy credits her loyal, trusted and skilled staff for the success of the operation, as well as for creating a warm and cozy venue for viewing the films. Her “sweet staff,” including managers Lindsay and Shannon, are wholly dedicated and competent.
As Sandy and her staff imagine the future of Star Cinema, they hope it will become a community-owned society. They feel that’s the right thing. Sandy plans for a three-screen venue while maintaining its unique character and a social place for people. As for Sandy’s future? “Retirement 85!”, she says, so she still has a couple of decades to go. She will be quite content to pass the torch to Lindsay, who shares her goals. Change is inevitable and welcome. Sandy is simply interested in the survival of the theatre, for the sake of Sidney’s character, and because film has so much value.
