Shanghai cinemas receive COVID-19 subsidies

A subsidy of 18 million yuan ($2.6 million) has been granted to 345 cinemas in Shanghai as part of efforts to support these cultural facilities, which have suspended operations since Jan 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shanghai Film Distribution and Projection Industry Association announced on Wednesday.

The subsidy, which came from a special fund set aside for the development of the national film industry, was distributed by the Shanghai Film Bureau.

Jin Hui, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Film Distribution and Projection Industry Association, said that each cinema received a subsidy based on its size, the number of screens it has and the box office situation in 2019.

Many cinemas said they would use the subsidy to enhance pandemic control of their facilities and prepare for reopening.