Stratford cinema recognized as one of the most beautiful movie houses in the world

A Stratford cinema, that already holds a world record, is now being recognized for its beauty. CTV’s Ashley Bacon takes us inside.

A cinema in Stratford is not just tiny, it’s also being recognized for being uniquely beautiful.

The Little Prince Micro-Cinema was awarded the Guinness World Record for the smallest purpose-built cinema in operation in November 2021.

Now, Time Out, a global media and hospitality business, has listed the pint-sized playhouse as one of the 50 most beautiful cinemas in the world.

The Little Prince, on Wellington Street, came in at number 16 on the list.

“You’re coming here for the ambiance, the experience, the service levels and to be able to share in this thing with someone else, with a group of other people – to share that movie magic,” said Leigh Cooney, owner of The Little Prince Micro-Cinema owner.

Other cinemas that made the cut included the Busan Cinema Centre in South Korea, Avalon Theatre in California, TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, Village East Cinema in New York and Le Grand Rex in Paris, France.

“To be acknowledged like that on a global scale, especially when you’re amongst these majestic movie houses, and then there’s us sort of squeezed in there, that really brought it home,” Cooney said. “It just made me feel like what you’ve done is appreciated.”

While the cinema may be the focal point now, the City of Stratford is also basking in the international limelight.

“It’s amazing! I love seeing all the articles, the attention that our businesses get,” said Jamie Prichard, executive director of the Stratford Business Improvement Area. “We have a multitude of businesses that are spotlighted worldline, and The Little Prince is second to none.”

For Cooney, the business is about more than garnering worldwide accolades.

“Bringing something to the community that’s an experience, something you’ll never forget, that’s always been my goal. That’s always been the most important thing to me,” he said.

A sequel is also in the works for The Little Prince Mirco-Cinema. The grand opening of a second location in Cambridge is planned in the coming weeks.