Young moviegoers are driving a resurgence in analog film, increasingly seeking out 70-mm screenings and large-format theatrical experiences to counter a digital-dominated landscape. According to a 2025 Telefilm Canada report, 85 per cent of Canadians under 35 are active moviegoers, with analog formats—such as those featured at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) events—attracting significant interest from Gen-Z audiences who value the material quality of celluloid.
The Shift Toward Analog Materiality
While the film industry largely transitioned to digital projection for cost and efficiency reasons, a dedicated cohort of younger viewers is rediscovering the technical superiority of analog film. Unlike digital files composed of pixels, analog film relies on crystals that create a unique grain pattern for every frame. Janine Marchessault, a professor at York University who has researched the history of Imax, notes that this generation is particularly interested in the “materiality of media” precisely because their formative years were spent consuming content on mobile devices.
Did you know?
A 2025 Telefilm Canada report indicates that 12 per cent of the population accounts for half of all cinema admissions, highlighting the critical role of repeat customers—many of whom are young cinephiles—in sustaining the theatrical market.
Imax and the Demand for High-Resolution Experiences
Large-format film experiences, particularly Imax 70-mm, have become a focal point for this analog renaissance. Mark Welton, global president at Imax Theatres, reports that the brand’s reputation for quality is resonating with younger demographics. This demand is evident in attendance figures; at recent TIFF screenings of classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Vertigo, nearly 30 per cent of the audience was under 25 years old. For a 70-mm screening of Top Gun, that figure reached one-third of the total audience.
Social Media as a Gateway to Technical Literacy
The barrier to entry for understanding complex film formats has been lowered by social media, which serves as an educational tool for enthusiasts. Directors like Ryan Coogler have leveraged platforms such as YouTube to explain technical concepts like aspect ratios and film formats to millions of viewers. This digital-to-analog pipeline has encouraged communities to form on platforms like Discord, where members coordinate group outings to high-resolution screenings. Govind Chandak, a 25-year-old cinephile, credits such online resources with deepening his appreciation for the visual quality that 70-mm projection can provide.
The Communal Appeal of Cinema
Beyond the technical specifications, the communal nature of the movie theater is a primary draw for a generation that experienced significant isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to TIFF’s chief programming officer, Anita Lee, independent and arthouse cinema has frequently outperformed more conventional theatrical releases. This trend suggests that audiences are not just looking for a movie, but a tangible, shared experience that feels authentic in an increasingly virtual world.
To identify the best format for your next screening, look for “70-mm” or “IMAX 70-mm” labels on theater listings. These formats offer higher resolution and maintain the unique film grain that digital projection often smooths over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is analog film considered higher quality than digital?
Analog film is composed of light-sensitive crystals rather than pixels. This allows for a higher resolution and a unique, organic grain pattern that remains distinct in every frame, which many viewers find more immersive than digital alternatives.
Are young people actually returning to theaters?
Yes. Data from the 2025 Telefilm Canada report shows that 85 per cent of Canadians under 35 are moviegoers, and they are increasingly forming the core audience for specialized, high-quality screenings at venues like the TIFF Lightbox.
What is the difference between 35-mm and 70-mm film?
70-mm film is much larger than standard 35-mm film. This increased surface area allows for higher resolution, greater detail, and a different aspect ratio, providing a more enveloping visual experience.
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