May 2026 | Cinema United

May 22, 2026

Cinema United Heads North For ShowCanada

[Left to Right: Movie Theatre Association of Canada’s Nuria Bronfman, Cinema United’s Erin Von Hoetzendorff, and ShowCanada’s Carrie Wolfe]

Cinema United’s Erin Von Hoetzendorff, Director of Membership and Global Affairs, attended 2026’s ShowCanada.

Celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year, ShowCanada brought the theatrical exhibition industry together in Banff for screenings, networking and education focused on the future of moviegoing. Hosted by the Movie Theatre Association of Canada, the convention welcomed exhibitors, distributors, and industry partners from across Canada and beyond to discuss collaboration, innovation, audience engagement, and the evolving theatrical experience.

The event was anchored by educational sessions, with topics ranging from independent cinema and community engagement to marketing strategies and premium theatrical experiences. The State of the Industry lunch featured Cinema United members Dave Cohen (Landmark Cinemas of Canada) and Kevin Watts (Cineplex) as panelists, and was moderated by Brooks LeBoeuf (Regal).

Throughout the week, attendees participated in screenings and presentations from studios including Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures, VVS Films, Cineplex Pictures, Mubi, Game Theory, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., and Walt Disney Studios.

ShowCanada also honored Canadian exhibition industry legend, Cinema United board member and former Chair, Ellis Jacob, as he prepares for his well-deserved retirement. Separately, ShowCanada hosted their annual Showmanship awards, honoring dedicated Canadian exhibition and distribution industry members and partners who work hard every day to ensure that their communities have the best moviegoing experiences.

Against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, ShowCanada 2026 once again demonstrated the strength, creativity, and forward-thinking spirit of the theatrical exhibition industry.

May 18, 2026

Cinema United Attends North Central Convention

{Left to Right: Angela Smetana of Marcus Theatres, Melissa Boudreau of Emagine Entertainment, Todd Halstead of Cinema United, Brian Anderson of Dells Theatre, Kelli Brown of Dakota Cinema]

Cinema United’s Andrew Stewart, Chief Communications Officer, and Todd Halstead, Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement, joined North Central Cinema United for its annual convention during the second week of May.

It was a great few days of studio presentations, movie screenings, vendor conversations, and time with theatre owners and managers from across the region. Andrew and Todd especially enjoyed connecting with members and sharing updates on Cinema United’s industry work, CinemaCon, and the issues most important to independent cinemas.

The convention featured valuable networking and education opportunities, including an independent owners roundtable hosted by Lee and Diane Akin of Silver Screen Magic. The discussion gave operators a chance to compare notes, talk about what they are seeing in their markets, and share practical ideas with peers who understand the day-to-day realities of running cinemas.

One of the many highlights was the Social Media Marketing seminar, moderated by Melissa Boudreau of Emagine Entertainment and featuring Brian Anderson of Dells Theatre, Kelli Brown of Dakota Cinema, and Angela Smetana of Marcus Theatres.

The conversation showed how smart, creative marketing is happening at every level of exhibition, from Main Street cinemas to the industry’s leading circuits. The takeaway was simple: with a phone and some creativity, any theatre can use social media to reach moviegoers in the communities they serve and beyond.

The convention also raised more than $4,500 for the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, a wonderful show of support for an amazing organization that has long helped people across the exhibition community when they need it most.

Cinema United also thanks Alamo Drafthouse and Marcus Theatres for hosting events and screenings featuring Ketchup Entertainment’s Coyote vs. Acme, Walt Disney Studios’ The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Angel Studios’ Brink of War. Their teams delivered the kind of hospitality, service, and theatre experience that reflects the best of exhibition.

And finally, a special thank you to Dave Quincer, Dale Haider, Russell Vannorsdel, Lee Akin, Diane Akin, and the entire North Central Cinema United leadership team for welcoming Cinema United and bringing the region’s exhibition community together.

May 5, 2026

CinemaCon May 2026 Vendor Spotlight: Moving iMage Technologies

Interview with Moving iMage Technologies

Headquarters: Fountain Valley, CA

Interviewee: Francois Godfrey, President, Chief Operational Officer

How would you describe Moving iMage Technologies (MiT) and its role in theatrical exhibition?

Moving iMage Technologies manufactures, designs, and installs complete cinema presentation systems. We manufacture automation systems, dimmers, LED lighting, and projector pedestals, and as the owner of the DCS Digital Cinema Speaker line, we design scalable audio solutions built for Premium Large Format and immersive environments. Working alongside leading projection and technology partners, MiT delivers fully integrated systems engineered to perform.

What’s new at your company this year?

The defining milestone for MiT this year was the full asset acquisition of the DCS/Digital Cinema Speaker line from QSC. The transaction included inventory, manufacturing relationships, tooling, and global supply chain infrastructure. We have onboarded warehouses in California, the Netherlands, and China and are actively replenishing inventory to support the thousands of DCS installations worldwide. Our focus is to protect the installed base while positioning the brand for long-term growth in premium and immersive cinema environments.

Did you launch or showcase anything new at CinemaCon 2026?

CinemaCon 2026 marked the first official presentation of the DCS portfolio under MiT stewardship. We showcased the complete product family, including SC screen channels, SR surrounds, SB subwoofers, and RMS reference monitors, engineered to support everything from high-output Premium Large Format auditoriums to precision-driven 5.1 and 7.1 environments. These are the products you know, the performance you’ve heard, trusted worldwide, now backed by MiT’s focused commitment to cinema.

Is there a notable project, partnership, or installation involving a Cinema United member?

MiT recently upgraded four Alamo Drafthouse Cinema locations in Texas with Barco SP4K laser projectors, HDR by Barco, and Dolby Atmos immersive audio systems, along with integrated MiT solutions including projector pedestals, automation, and power conditioning.

How does your company engage with local communities – either where you’re headquartered or in partnership with cinema exhibitors across the country?

We support exhibitors by building long-term partnerships. Every circuit has its own goals and market pressures, so we work collaboratively to align technology decisions with their brand and business strategy. By working across leading projection, audio, and infrastructure partners, we give exhibitors flexibility while delivering systems they can rely on.

What industry trends are shaping your work right now?

Premium Large Format and immersive audio continue to drive investment across the industry. At the same time, many exhibitors are transitioning from xenon to laser projection and using remodel cycles, such as adding recliners or replacing seating, as an opportunity to upgrade audio systems as well. When an auditorium is already down for renovation, it often makes sense to elevate both picture and sound performance together. These modernization efforts reflect rising audience expectations for clarity, impact, and overall presentation quality.

What makes your company or team unique?

Cinema is a specialized business that requires specialized focus. We are large enough to meet the demands of modern exhibition, yet focused enough to remain anchored in cinema. Because our business is built around theatrical presentation, we stay aligned with the long-term needs of exhibitors rather than chasing adjacent markets. That focus allows us to support circuits with solutions designed specifically for cinema performance today and for the future.

How long have you participated in CinemaCon, and what keeps you coming back?

Moving iMage Technologies has participated in CinemaCon since our inception in 2003. CinemaCon remains the central gathering point for exhibition leadership, innovation, and partnership. It is where the industry aligns around its future, and it continues to be an essential platform for meaningful dialogue with exhibitors around the world.

Where can members connect with MiT online?

May 4, 2026

Cinema United Joins Cinema Association of California/Nevada For Spring Managers Meeting

[Left to right: Cinema United’s Harry Medved, Cinema Association of California/Nevada’s Todd Vradenburg, and CineLux’s Paul Gunsky]

On Thursday, April 30, Cinema United’s Harry Medved joined the Cinema Association of California/Nevada at their Spring Managers Meeting & Studio Products Seminar at Cinemark’s beautiful Century 20 Oakridge in San Jose, CA.

Cinema Association of CA/NV hosts the Spring Managers Meeting as a way to bring local theatre managers together to see many of the films previously previewed at CinemaCon and to hear presentations from the top studio and industry partners. Managers had the opportunity to meet and greet representatives from the major studios, along with The Will Rogers Foundation, Deluxe, Onni Creative, Paper Airplane, P3 Global Services, and many more partners.

Attendees heard presentations from reps from the studio, including Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount, Sony, and Universal. Universal’s Luke D’Agnese talked about the importance of in-theatre collabs including movie-themed food & beverage presentations, saying “from custom cocktails or local brand collaborations to premium concessions, you have that power to create next level combinations that can ignite superfans and casual guests alike.”

As part of the meeting, Cinema Association of CA/NV presented new research, prepared in partnership with Morning Consult, to understand what drives local moviegoers. According to a survey of 1,025 Californian adults, moviegoers are looking for a wider experience at the cinema, places where they can spend special time with friends and family. More than 73% said they saw at least one movie on the big screen over the last twelve months, while 27% saw more than five movies during that time.

Managers also had the chance to see the “Behind the Screens: Faces of Exhibition” spotlights on Texas Theatre’s Barak Epstein and Belcourt Theatre’s Stephanie Silverman.

A special thank you to Todd Vradenburg and Maura Ortega and the Board of Cinema Association of CA/NV for always including Cinema United in these great events and for continuing to do all they do to move forward the exhibition industry.