Cineplex CEO Stands By Decision To Screen Pro-Life Film ‘Unplanned’
Published July 10, 2019 at 4:38 pm
Throughout history, there have been many controversial movies, and 2019 is no different.
Cineplex has recently confirmed that it will indeed be screening the pro-life film Unplanned.
Due to the subject matter surrounding the film, many have voiced their concerns about the movie being screened in Canada.
Ellis Jacob, the President and CEO of Cineplex, claimed in a statement that the company received many emails and phone calls over the past weeks. While this made the decision complicated, he stated that he was confident that it was the right decision for the company and viewers.
“When I immigrated to Canada back in 1969, one of the things that I loved, and still love, the most about living here was that we didn’t shy away from our differences — we embrace them,” said Jacob. “Canada is a country that believes in and rallies behind freedom of expression, but that isn’t always an easy thing to do, and it certainly doesn’t always make you popular. In this instance, many of us will have to set aside our personal beliefs and remember that living in a country that censors content, opinions, and points of view because they are different from our own is not a country that any of us want to live in.”
An open letter from Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob, on our decision to screen Unplanned. pic.twitter.com/bkA7tx2NWt
— Cineplex (@CineplexMovies) July 8, 2019
Unplanned has been reviewed and rated by both the Provincial and Territorial Government’s Film Classification Boards, which was why Jacob claims Cineplex will move forward with its planned screenings.
The statement from Jacob brought mixed reactions from many Canadians, with some supporting the decision and others stating their displeasure with the decision.
@CineplexMovies time to STOP your plans to show this propaganda film #mybodymychoice https://t.co/XwVNc6P8P8
— MsBradleyRox (@msbradleyrox) July 5, 2019
You missed the point, Cineplex. We, and yes I mean Canadian women, do not want America propaganda in Canada. Abortion is a medical procedure in Canada and NOT AN ISSUE THAT needs to be addressed. I will be spending my $'s elsewhere.
— Vicky (@AB_Parent2) July 8, 2019
Exactly, the @liberal_party wanting censorship on this, social media or anything else isn’t what Canada is about.
Good job @CineplexMovies I probably won’t see this movie but I’m glad in our free country others are able too.
— Chris Minister of Smartarsery (@Lumberist) July 8, 2019
I’m pro-choice but the idea of blocking this movie from being shown in Canada smacks of censorship.
I applaud @CineplexMovies for giving Canadians the opportunity to make our own decisions. Because isn’t that what choice is all about?
—Candace Smith (@britjpncdn) July 8, 2019
Unplanned is based on the true story of Abby Johnson, one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in Texas who became a pro-life speaker.
The film will be screened at 14 Cineplex Theatres for a limited one week run starting Friday, July 12.
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