The Cinema Department responded to the plan to open theatres after 0:00 a.m

DNHN - Businesses requested that the film industry be included in the night-time economic initiative so that it may function after 24 hours, making it appropriate for late screenings.

Recently, the four largest cinema systems in Vietnam, CGV, Galaxy, BHD Star, and Lotte, petitioned the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and the Cinema Department, hoping that the Government and cultural industry leaders would consider allowing cinemas to operate after 24 hours.

According to the suggestion, cinema is projected to be one of the main businesses in fostering the growth of the night economy, generating income, creating employment, and raising government revenue.

Businesses also said that movie screening activities are regulated in the frame from 8 a.m. to 24 h. every day, and if they are exceeded, they would face administrative consequences. Decree No. 38 (Decree 38/2021/ND-CP) dated March 29, 2021, in particular, punishes VND 5-10 million for playing movies outside of the aforementioned time limit. According to companies, this law limits audiences' ability to enjoy cinematic works in theatres if the films last more than 24 hours, which is inconsistent with the city's aim of diversifying healthy cultural entertainment offerings when the city lights up.

Mr Vi Kien Thanh, Director of the Cinema Department, stated that the Department is now examining and contemplating making recommendations to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on each topic. However, the head of the Cinema Department stated that if implemented in provinces and cities planning to develop the night economy, it may be appropriate; however, the opening of cinemas after 24 hours should only be applied in some large cinema clusters with full safety equipment and good security control, rather than mass deployment in all public movie venues.

Furthermore, the Director of the Cinema Department stated that the opening of theatres beyond 24 hours must take into account a specific time frame, but it cannot be exhibited "all night and all morning" because this problem is also tied to the task of maintaining safety. security and fire protection, For example, he believes that cinema showing hours should only be extended till 2 a.m. According to the Director of the Cinema Department, this unit lacks the power to make such a decision.

Mr Vi Kien Thanh stated that the aforementioned business advice may influence and encourage the development of the film industry, but it is impossible to know to what degree. If applied in practice, this will necessitate a procedure of monitoring and observation. However, once a proposal is made, film distribution companies must adopt a particular and clear strategy and roadmap, especially to ensure security, order, and fire safety.

PV