MoviePass competitor Sinemia quietly launches in Canada

TORONTO The all-you-can-watch company MoviePass that’s been dubbed by some as a “Netflix for theatres” hasn’t revealed plans to come to Canada, but its competitor has quietly launched here.

Sinemia, founded by Turkish entrepreneur Rifat Oguz, provides a service that it says is more sustainable and less too good to be true.

While a US$9.95 a month subscription to MoviePass allows American consumers to go see one non-premium screening a day, Sinemia charges $10.99 to watch two movies a month, including one in any premium format except VIP. Even Cineplex’s pricey $24.99 ticket for a 4DX screening in 3D is available.

There’s also an option to see three movies in a month for $15.99, and there are discounts for committing to a year of the service in advance or getting pairs of tickets each month. After signing up, customers receive a card in the mail to use for purchasing tickets directly from an eligible theatre.

Sinemia also operates in Turkey, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, where it’s facing a patent infringement lawsuit.

In explaining the company’s business model, Oguz said the company hopes to supplement the revenue from its ticket plans with advertising on its website, corporate sales and eventually, deals with theatre companies to sell popcorn and other concessions within its app.