The owner of the Plaza Theatre in Kensington says shows there could be coming to an end.

But according to Edmonton-based Mike Brar, who's owned the theatre for half of its 77-year life, shifting from 35 mm film to digital would cost him about $100,000.

The owner of Calgary's Plaza Theatre says the Kensington icon might have to close once movies are no longer made on film. (pixelcondos.ca)

It’s a high-tech transition Brar said he can’t afford to make. “It's too stressful now,” he said.

The prospect of losing the iconic Plaza has some local film lovers anxious too.

Peter Curtis Morgan, with EMMEDIA — an organization that helps artists produce movies and other productions — said he'd be losing a community if the theatre closes.

“The loss of it would be tremendous for us… I'm not sure we could afford another venue,” he said.

Brar said he's considering all options when it’s time to bring down the curtain, including leasing the theatre as a warehouse.