Coronavirus: Over 500 Cinemas In China Reopen

With the Coronavirus outbreak curve leveling out in China a slither of normality is beginning to return to the country with the reopening of more than 500 cinemas. As of today, financial publication Caixin reported that 507 screens had become active again so far.

Though representing less than 5% of the cinema screens in China, the partial reopening could be seen as a signal of hope for the industry against the spreading Covid-19 threat. 

Screens have opened in five provinces across China so far with Xinjiang, Shangdong, Sichuan, Fujian and Guangdong all having some level of activity. However, cinema-goers in China are still reticent to make an appearance with data from box office takings showing that revenue on Friday totaled less than $2,000.

Intending to decrease the risk for new films and exhibitors, cinemas are re-releasing old movies and cinemas are taking 100% of receipts to help revitalize the industry. Stringent hygiene and disinfection protocols are also being enforced at all venues. 

In a statement to cinema owners, preeminent state-owned distributor The China Film Group urged the organizations to aid patrons in the economic downturn by temporarily adjusting their financial model. “We recommend that cinemas consider doing charitable, free or low-cost screenings to benefit viewers.” The message would further explain the low monetary take from the screens last week.  

What’s available to watch 

The China Film Group also announced that some former Chinese box office hits including Wolf Totem, American Dreams in China, The Wandering Earth and Wolf Warrior 2 will be available to view as well as major hits from outside of China such as 2019 Oscar winner Green Book, A Dog’s Purpose and critically acclaimed Capernaum from director Nadine Labaki. 

In other positive news for Chinese cinemas and moviegoers, Warner Bros. announced on Thursday that later in the Spring a 4K and 3D version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will be released in the nation to further help the box office recover from a hit that has reportedly cost over $1 billion.