Still a waiting game for Malaysian film producers despite cinemas reopening today
Wednesday, 01 Jul 2020 07:59 PM MYT People wearing protective face masks sit while social distancing before watching a movie at a TGV cinema in Central I-City, Shah Alam July 1, 2020. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Local art industry players are still not confident enough to release their movies although cinemas resumed operations today, said Malaysian Film Producers Association chief executive officer Zahrin Aris.
“So far, only is scheduled for release on August 6, followed by two more movies in September. Usually, an average of six local movies are aired in cinemas per month,” he told Bernama when contacted today. He added that although there were standard operating procedures for cinemas to operate, producers were just not keen to take the risk, especially if it involved high investments. On June 22, the government agreed that cinema and theatre operations as well as indoor live events would be allowed beginning today with strict adherence to the SOP set by the authorities, such as limiting the attendance to 250 people for every show, subject to the hall capacity. Zahrin said that during the movement control order , the industry players sought alternatives by airing their movies on local paid television channels. “Four movies were aired and one, it was learnt, earned good collection. The PFM is in the midst of getting the approval of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia to screen these movies again in cinemas,” he said. He said PFM held a discussion with Finas and requested for a special incentive, in terms of promotions and marketing assistance for the industry players affected by the MCO, but there had been no feedback so far. Meanwhile, Finas board member R. Denes Kumar said the reopening of cinemas should be seen as the government’s effort to help the local industry players. “However, we must understand that we are bound by strict SOPs and all directives are based on the Health Ministry’s advice. This is the new normal that must be adhered to by everyone,” he said. Denes Kumar said Finas was in the process of approving applications for the Digital Content Grant for industry players. Meanwhile, many cinemas seemed well-prepared for their reopening, with operators having conducted disinfection and offering various ticket and meal promotions. TGV Cinemas has uploaded a 45-second video on its Facebook account explaining the SOP that audiences need to comply with. GSCinemas also released a similar video, besides offering free parking at two of its cinemas. — Bernama
Please follow us on Google to support us Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
More US states step back from reopening as Covid-19 cases surge | Malay MailWASHINGTON, June 30 — More US states and businesses yesterday rolled back plans to reopen their economies, citing surges in coronavirus cases and hospitalisations, as the government's top infectious disease specialist blamed the spikes on Americans ignoring public health guidelines. The rises in...
Read more »
South Australia state cancels border reopening after virus spike | Malay MailSYDNEY, June 30 — South Australia, one of several states in the country to close domestic borders, today cancelled its scheduled reopening to other parts of the nation, citing a spike in coronavirus infections in neighbouring Victoria. The country's fifth most-populous state had said it would...
Read more »
S&P Global revises outlook on 5 Malaysian banks | Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — S&P Global Ratings has revised its outlook on five Malaysian banks—Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank), CIMB Bank Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, RHB Bank Bhd and AmBank (M) Bhd—from “stable” to “negative”. At the same time, the rating agency said it is affirming all its...
Read more »
Dr Mahathir again claims Anwar lacks popularity with Malays to be Pakatan’s PM candidate | Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not suitable to as the prime minister candidate as he is allegedly not “popular” among the Malays, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed. The former prime minister reportedly said the PKR president needs someone like himself in order to acquire...
Read more »
TGV welcomes cinemagoers with enhanced safety measures and perksAt last, we can watch movies on the big screens again! thesundaily tgv tgvcinemas cinema movies whattowatch malaysia thesun
Read more »
Greece reopens islands to flights in bid to save tourism season | Malay MailCORFU, July 1 — Greece on Wednesday reopened flights to its flagship island destinations as it raced to salvage a portion of the annual tourism season that is vital to its economy. Over 100 flights are expected at 14 regional airports that include the popular islands of Corfu, Santorini,...
Read more »