A new study conducted by independent cinema owners in Canada has revealed that their industry is facing a crisis and that many theaters need increased public funding to stay afloat.

The research conducted by the Independent Canadian Exhibitors Network stated that 60 percent of independent cinema operators surveyed between December and February were suffering losses at the end of the last fiscal year.

About two-thirds of the 67 participants confirmed that they need increased public funding to continue operating.

The majority of independent film exhibitors who participated in the survey estimated that they would need about $50,000 in additional funding annually for three years to fill the immediate gaps they face.

The industry group that conducted the survey said that independent cinemas would benefit from the cancellation of clean screenings, which occur when studios require films to be shown for two, three, or four weeks. Clean screenings mean theaters can only accommodate one film being shown during each screening time.

The group also calls for the abolition of territorial provisions, which prevent exhibitors from showing films when another nearby exhibitor is still screening the film.