'Movie Sector Facing Layoffs, Less Investment'

A representative for cinema operators on Tuesday said some members in the trade may have to lay off staff and close down, as theatres remain shut under the government's Covid-19 restrictions.

The chairman of the Hong Kong Theatres Association, Timothy Yuen, revealed that some operators have asked staff to use their paid leave during the closure period.

He said workers would be asked to take unpaid leave if cinemas cannot reopen soon.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, Yuen said although box office earnings improved last year, revenue had just reached half of the pre-pandemic amount.

He also pointed out that operators received less relief from government subsidies and smaller rent concessions.

Cinema closures over the Lunar New Year also risked the further shrinkage of the city’s movie industry, warned another industry representative.

Tenky Tin, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Federation of Filmmakers, said the eve and first three days of the Lunar New Year is meant to be a "golden period" for the sector.

He said there were supposed to be films based on the new year hitting the big screen, and it's hard to estimate the loss the industry has had to suffer because of the closures.

Tin pointed out that box office losses have dealt a blow to both filmmakers and investors, and this could lead to fewer investment and opportunities in the sector.