Since late October, all most of movie theatres across Da Nang have reopened. Aside from strictly adhering to the city’s pandemic precautionary measures, cinemas citywide are striving to screen many attractive films in order to meet public demand for movie enjoyment.

People will have their temperatures checked and their QR codes scanned before entering film screening rooms, as well as are encouraged to book tickets online and use electronic movie tickets to limit contact. IN PHOTO: Cinema-goers are seen at the CGV Vincom Cinema in Da Nang. Photo: XUAN DUNG

Movie theatres reopen but audiences yet to return

Despite being allowed by the local authorities to resume their operations from October 16, most of private cinemas in the city delayed their reopening until the end of October.

The Lotte Cinema reopened its doors for in-person screenings from October 22, whilst a series of private movie theaters such as CGV, Starlight, Galaxy and Metiz resumed their operations from October 29.

The reopening of cinemas is a good sign not only for film producers and distributors but also for all movie lovers citywide.

Mr. Nguyen Phuc Sinh, a male resident of Son Tra District’s Nai Hien Dong Ward, said “Nowadays, we can still watch movies on digital platforms, but certainly, watching films through computer screens and smartphones can't bring the same feeling and emotion as watching at the movie theater. Therefore, as movie theaters reopened, I and my friends immediately went to cinemas to watch movies as a way to relax after a long period of social distancing".

However, movie theaters in the city are encountering a slew of challenges as they lurch toward reopening after several months of closure, including well-documented obstacles such as a lack of new movies.

Mr Ho Ngoc Son, Manager of the CGV theater system in Da Nang, blamed the temporary shutdown of cinemas in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City due to COVID-19 for the current lack of new movies, especially blockbusters. “The two big cities are the markets with great revenue, so film distributors have delayed their premieres in other provinces and cities” added he.

Another reasons for the low number of cinema-goers are thought to be that Da Nang starts entering the rainy season, many people are still afraid of the risk of pandemic, and pupils have to study online in the evening.

“Starting from mid-November, such Hollywood blockbusters as Eternals, Venom 2, 007 and Shang-Chi are set to be released, which hopes to make the city’s film industry roar back to life” said Mr. Son.

COVID-19 prevention measures ensured

According to representatives of cinemas in Da Nang, during this period, the implementation of a full range of COVID-19 prevention and control measures are always their top priority due to their relatively higher risk of spreading the virus.

Specifically, most of movie theaters only open with 50% capacity by locking seats on their ticketing system, as well as disinfect seats daily during their reopening in a bid to keep moviegoers any safer from catching COVID-19. Meanwhile, cinemagoers are required to strictly follow 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health.

Ms Le Thi Tu Nhi who is in charge of marketing of the Metiz cinema on 2 September Street, said that people have their body temperature measured and their health status declared before entering the movie theater. Also, they are encouraged to buy movie tickets in advance in a bid to minimize contact.

Also, physical distancing measures are put in place at the cinema’s lobby and in the screening rooms to keep both cinema staff and movie-goers as safe as possible.

“To date, 100% of the Metiz cinema’s staff have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, whilst rapid antigen tests have been conducted on them regularly. Besides, a COVID-19 rapid response team has been set up at the theatre to quickly respond if there are any suspected cases"said Nhi.

Currently, only State-run Le Do Cinema has not yet reopened. However, it has completed all preparations for its comeback.

Ms. Tran Thi Quy Nga, an employee at the Le Do Cinema, said that her cinema will officially reopen starting from November 10 by hosting a film week to celebrate the 22^nd Viet Nam Film Festival. The event will run from November 10-16, and admission will be free for everyone.

In order to ensure the safety of the audience and staff, the Le Do Cinema has been equipped with QR code scanners, digital thermometers and automatic hand sanitizer machine.

“Currently, the Le Do Cinema has a schedule to show movies in November, just waiting for the right time to announce it to the audience. In December, a series of most- awaited Vietnamese films such as Shadows, Forest of the World and Sweet Trap, along with many foreign films will be screened at the cinema. This promises to soon revive the movie industry of Da Nang, and that of Viet Nam as a whole, in the near future" shared Nga.

Reporting by XUAN DUNG - Translating by M.DUNG