Chinese cinemas fret over muted reopening

Chinese cinema operators have said restrictions to prevent the spread Covid-19 as the industry reopens after six months of closure and heavy losses mean they will struggle to survive. Movie theatres reported Rmb3.3m ($472,200) in box office takings on Monday following Beijing’s announcement last week that the industry could reopen in “low risk” areas. China’s cinemas earned an average of Rmb174m a day last year, according to Wind, a financial data provider. Cinemas that have reopened have done so with limited seating, a ban on food and drinks, and a shortage of new releases. Audiences and staff must wear masks, and are subject to temperature checks. Operators say the rules have crippled cinemas even as the government has allowed the industry to reopen.