OUR COUNTRY

The reporter and author on her nostalgia for the independent theatre in her hometown of Forest, Ont.

Reporter and author Robyn Doolittle on her nostalgia for her hometown movie theatre

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I grew up in Forest, Ont. It’s a tiny town with two stoplights. You wouldn’t think much of it passing by, but there is something really special in Forest that gives me a rush of feel-good nostalgia — the Kineto Theatre.

in 1917, the theatre is among the oldest continuously operating movie theatres in the world. There was a little concession where you could get buttery popcorn. And old, slumpy red seats I’d plop down onto and then wait eagerly for the lights to dim and the film to start rolling. It’s a beautiful little building that was a big part of my childhood and youth. It’s not that common for very small towns to have movie theatres, so I always felt lucky we had one. It was so nice to meet up with a bunch of friends, get some ice cream and then go watch the big blockbuster that had just come out. Working at the concession stand was a coveted job in high school.

My parents took me to see my first movie at the Kineto: Snow White.

I don’t think I made it past the first 10 minutes because I was terrified by one of the opening scenes where she was running through the woods. But it’s memories like these that have such a nostalgic impact.

I have young kids of my own now and I’m excited to take them to Forest and the theatre when they’re older. It’s such an exciting feeling the first time your parents drop you off at the Kineto to watch a movie, and you get to go out on your own. You really get that special taste of independence.