Cinéma du Musée has become Montreal's classroom for film

Teejay Bhalla links film history, museum exhibitions, and current events to create a distinctive screening program on the Montreal scene.

Eli Bad Critic

December 4, 2025- Read time: 4 min
Cinéma du Musée has become Montreal's classroom for filmTeejay Bhalla interviewing Pierre Kwenders and saxophonist Alex Colas Jeffrey. | Photograph: Supplied

Back in 2018, the Musée de Beaux Arts (MdBA) renovated the Maxwell-Cummings auditorium to create the Cinéma du Musée, a film screening room run in partnership with the Cinéma Beaubien and the Cinéma du Parc. The mission of this particular cinema is focused on education, instead of ‘just’ entertainment.

When Teejay Bhalla joined the cinema last December as the programming coordinator, he brought to the table his passion for history, education and film to create one of the most unique movie programs in the city. We caught up with Teejay at the end of September, and we chatted about his background, mission and favourite films.

Teejay Bhalla, programming coordinator at Cinéma du Musée. | Photograph: Anne-Marie Baribeau
Member-only story

Unlock Montreal’s stories. Join The Main community.

Read this story free.

Enter your email to unlock your first article and get The Bulletin — our weekly roundup of food, art, and local culture.

  • 5 free articles per month
  • Save your favourite places & guides
  • Weekly newsletter The Bulletin
  • Stay connected to Montreal culture

Become an Insider.

Join a community that supports independent Montreal stories and celebrates the people shaping its culture.

Subscribe
  • Unlimited access to all stories
  • Exclusive features & local insights
  • Special offers and event invites
  • 10% off in our shop
  • Support local storytelling

Already a member? Sign in

Related articles

Cinéma du Musée has become Montreal's classroom for film

Cinéma du Musée has become Montreal's classroom for film

Teejay Bhalla links film history, museum exhibitions, and current events to create a distinctive screening program on the Montreal scene.

The 2026 edition of Montréal en Lumière will dig deep into the city's culinary archives
The Main

The 2026 edition of Montréal en Lumière will dig deep into the city's culinary archives

This year's festival centres on "A Taste of History," with chefs revisiting 65 years of Montreal dining.

Things to do in Montreal this December
The Main

Things to do in Montreal this December

The best things to do in Montreal during December fill the calendar with ballet, punk rock, immersive art, and more than enough holiday spirit.

M for Montreal is where the whole world heard it first
Kaitlyn DiBartolo

M for Montreal is where the whole world heard it first

The festival has been turning Montreal's restless creative energy into international careers for 20 years, and it's nowhere near slowing down.

Edward Hillel's new book offers a rare then-and-now look at an iconic Montreal street
J.P. Karwacki

Edward Hillel's new book offers a rare then-and-now look at an iconic Montreal street

Nearly 40 years after his landmark book helped designate The Main as a heritage site, Edward Hillel returns with a layered portrait of memory, time, and urban change.

Éditions La Peuplade is publishing some of the world's most exciting French-language literature
Alexander Hackett

Éditions La Peuplade is publishing some of the world's most exciting French-language literature

For 20 years, the Montreal-based indie publisher has connected Quebec writers with international audiences and brought global voices to local readers.