Cinemas open for moviegoers from today

• Industry hails Govt. decision to allow resumption 
• Concerns persist in 25% seating capacity 
• Despite new alternatives modes, industry confident moviegoers will return given best cinematic experience

Cinemas and theatres are to reopen while adhering to strict health and safety guidelines from today.

On 15 October, the Government announced revised health guidelines, providing some breathing space with a conditional resumption of business for the film industry. Accordingly, cinemas can operate with 25% of its seating capacity.

“We are extremely pleased with the Government’s decision to allow resumption of the film theatres,” industry stakeholders told Daily FT.

The film industry has been negatively impacted due to the pandemic, as both production and releases have stopped completely.

Despite the permit to resume business, the industry remains concerned with the low seating capacity and its economic viability.

“The 25% seating capacity is the break even for a local cinema and 30% is for a foreign film. The limitation on seating capacity is a concern for the operational cost as it’s not viable,” they pointed out.

When asked how confident they were on footfall at cinemas, the industry stakeholders said the success of the initiative could only be determined by the content.

However, they said blockbuster movies or locally produced movies would not be screened till authorities allow them an operation capacity of 50%.

Asked how the cinema industry would deal with alternative modes such as streaming and TV, the stakeholders expressed confidence that moviegoers would return if the best cinematic experience could be provided.

Cinema industry stakeholders have been lobbying for the Government to reopen cinemas, pointing out that they were suffering heavy losses due to the closure on account of the pandemic.

At present, countries such as Singapore, the US, and the UK have resumed operations, and the Sri Lankan film industry, too, was keen to practice a similar method, subject to strict health guidelines.

“There were zero COVID-19 cases reported from cinemas. Currently, over 70% of the population is also fully vaccinated. We hope the Government will allow gradual seating capacity to reopen cinemas subject to strict health practices and measures in place,” stakeholders said, adding that the industry has invested heavily in film theatres, equipment and amenities, etc.

Of the total 200 cinemas in the country, close to 80 had managed to survive with great difficulty, while the rest had gone bankrupt, were closed or were under liquidation. (CdeS)