The film set new records for Chinese New Year documentaries, Chinese mainland film documentary premieres, and single-day box office performance.

Cinemas have increasingly hosted diverse events such as concert films, live sports broadcasts, talk shows, and interactive programs. These developments reflect a broader trend of movie theaters evolving into multi-functional venues that offer various forms of entertainment.

Industry experts suggest that cinemas should distinguish between peak and off-peak seasons, ensure the availability of essential screening services, and capitalize on their unique spatial features to create additional value.

On December 28, at the East Gate Cinema in Beijing, a magician performed a children's magic show.

"Compared to a theater, the lighting and sound effects in a cinema magic show are much more immersive, and the sense of interaction is stronger," said a viewer surnamed Guo, who brought her child to watch the performance.

In 2021, the China Film Administration released a development plan for China's film industry, emphasizing the importance of monitoring global trends in the film and audiovisual technology sectors and cultivating new film consumption models.

On December 14, 2023, a representative from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism reaffirmed support for new performance spaces, immersive performances, and innovative business models. The representative also encouraged creating new consumption scenarios, expanding consumption spaces, and enriching consumer experiences.

A staff member at East Gate Cinema noted that following the relaxation of relevant policies, the cinema has explored new business opportunities beyond movie screenings, such as stand-up comedy and magic shows. "Although the audience isn't huge, weekday foot traffic has significantly increased," the staff member said.

Driven by profitability pressures and favorable policies, cinemas are redefining their roles, transitioning into multi-functional venues that host various leisure activities beyond film screenings.

During the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, cinemas emerged as a popular destination for watching live Olympic broadcasts. Over 800 cinemas nationwide participated, hosting more than 2,300 screenings and attracting a total audience of 55,000.

"Cinema sound systems are far better than at home, and watching the match here is much more immersive. The experience was fantastic," said a fan who attended a live-streamed table tennis match.

In 2024, a survey on audience expectations for cinemas revealed growing interest in activities beyond traditional film screenings. Among these, the option of "taking a nap at the cinema" drew notable attention.

In 2022, Chengdu Leina Star Cinema experimented with paid nap services during weekday afternoons. However, this initiative was later discontinued.

"We introduced the nap service to explore new revenue streams, but as our screening schedule expanded and room availability became limited, we had to discontinue it," said a cinema manager surnamed Pan.

An industry expert suggested that cinemas should prioritize their core business during peak seasons while leveraging their space for alternative uses during off-peak periods.

"As the Spring Festival approaches, when demand for moviegoing surges, cinemas should focus on providing high-quality screenings and enhancing audience services. During the off-season, they can maximize the use of their facilities, such as sound systems, to explore new possibilities," the expert advised.

While diversification offers potential, experts caution that new business models must align with local conditions and each cinema’s unique capabilities. Assistant Professor Weng Yang of Beijing Film Academy emphasized that cinemas should avoid over-expansion and resource misallocation to prevent operational challenges.

"Cinemas need to expand thoughtfully, balancing innovation with practicality to unlock the full potential of their spaces while maintaining sustainable operations," Weng concluded.

(Workers' Daily contributed the Chinese version of this report.)