Nguyen Danh Duong, Director of the National Cinema Centre, said that just five out of 12 film screening rooms are open. Around half of the tickets have been sold to ensure the distancing for Covid-19 prevention. Audiences are also required to wear a mask and ensure suitable distance.
Cinemas attract modest audiences after reopening
According to Duong, another reason is that at present, there are few new blockbuster films following the Covid-19 pandemic. A range of Hollywood blockbuster films have been delayed for later this year or early next year.
CGV Artemis Cinema on Le Trong Tan Street in Hoang Mai District is in the same situation. After reopening it is only open from 4:30-10 pm every day until the further notice.
The Vietnam Association of Film Promotion and Development recently asked for government support for cinemas and film producers due to being hit by Covid-19. Under the association’s recommendation, the government should consider valued-added tax exemption for cinemas and film producers.
The agency suggested a delay of corporate income tax and social insurance payment this year for these companies. It would also be necessary to offer them preferential interest rates.
Meanwhile, pagodas in Vietnam are allowed to be reopened since May 9, however, still banned from serving international visitors and Vietnamese people who come from Covid-19-affected areas.
To date, Hanoi has not yet decided when local tourist sites will reopen
