How a Canadian engineering project transformed from Expo 67 into a global cinematic giant

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Born from a desire to project images ten times larger than standard film, IMAX evolved from a niche experimental venture into a worldwide technology powerhouse. Today, the company operates nearly 1,900 locations, shifting its focus from traditional theater exhibition toward high-end digital licensing, artificial intelligence, and home entertainment certification.

The origins of IMAX trace back to Expo 67 in Montreal, where filmmakers Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor, and Robert Kerr recognized that existing projection technology could not support the scale of their ambitious multi-screen projects. To solve this, they recruited engineer William Shaw in 1968. Shaw developed a revolutionary projector capable of handling film frames ten times larger than conventional 35mm stock, creating the foundation for the company's signature immersive experience: massive screens, stadium seating, and surround sound.

While the company initially focused on specialized exhibition, its trajectory changed significantly in 1994 when investment bankers Richard Gelfond and Bradley Wechsler acquired the firm. Under their leadership, IMAX pivoted toward Hollywood, eventually finding mainstream success with the 2009 release of Avatar. This shift was supported by technical innovations like Digital Re-Mastering (DMR), which allowed conventional films to be adapted for large-format screens. By 2008, the introduction of digital projection systems enabled the company to retrofit existing multiplexes, fueling rapid expansion from 299 locations to approximately 1,876 by 2026.

Under current CEO Richard Gelfond, the company is redefining its identity as a technology licensing firm rather than a traditional exhibitor. This strategy includes the 2022 acquisition of SSIMWAVE, a Canadian AI company specializing in video quality for streaming, and the launch of IMAX Enhanced, a certification program for home entertainment hardware. Despite these advancements, the company faces complex international challenges; a 2023 attempt to fully acquire its Hong Kong-listed subsidiary, IMAX China, failed after failing to meet local takeover regulation thresholds, leaving the firm to continue its operations in the region while exploring alternative capital strategies.

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