How are cinema theatres facing the coronavirus pandemic?

Single-screen theatres in Bangladesh have faced massive losses and the number of films has reduced drastically in recent times. Yet, the festive season, which includes occasions like the Bengali New Year and Eid-Ul-Fitr among others, is exciting for the film industry. However, this year, the circumstances are completely unprecedented. Movie theatres around the country were closed down, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

While the industry was looking forward to slowly picking up with some upcoming films, it was not feasible, under the present circumstances. "Shutting down our theatre was unavoidable because public safety comes first," said Iftekhar Uddin Naushad, owner of Modhumita. "We assume that single-screen theatres will not be able to survive in these difficult times, and as a result, will be bound to shut down for good." The number of single-screen theatres across the country have decreased from 2,000 to around 70 in recent years. "If these theatres end up closing down permanently, a huge chunk of the audiences, mostly the middle and lower-middle income groups in rural areas, will be deprived of the movie-going experience," Naushad added.

A good number of films were set to release this year, targeting the biggest festivals in the country. However, the fate of these films is currently uncertain. Balaka Cinema Hall was closed down on March 18, owing to concerns over public health. Shahin, the manager of the theatre, said that as it stands, single-screen theatre owners have not been earning much for the last few years. "At this point, we are just praying for better days to arrive," he said.

On the other hand, people associated with the cinema theatre business, such as technicians, cleaners and other workers, are also in trouble. "We couldn't pay salaries to members of our staff for February and March. Unfortunately, they are on unpaid leave at the moment," said Naushad. "They can come back to work once the situation permits."

 STAR Cineplex, on the other hand, had taken precautions to combat the pandemic, before shutting down. "We will wait for things to get better, even if it takes a few more months," shared Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Senior Manager, Media and Marketing, STAR Cineplex. "Our staff members are currently on paid leave. We believe that they are a part of the STAR Cineplex family and we will stand beside them, no matter what. Even though we are facing losses, we are trying our best to support them during this crisis."

Khorshedul Alam Khasru, President, Bangladesh Film Producers' Association, aims to help the shift workers associated with the industry. "Shift workers, like light men, trolley handlers, technicians, make-up artistes and others are daily wage earners. They need our support in these difficult times," he said.  "The Bangladesh Film Producers' Association has collected funds to support 260 shift workers. We will buy food supplies for them that they can utilise for up to ten days. We are going to raise funds again and serve 250 more workers. We should never forget that they are also a part of the industry." Khasru is also worried about the extinction of single-screen theatres across the country, as he noted that the industry cannot survive with film releases in the capital only.

 The cinema theatre owners and key members of Bangladesh Film Producers' Association also shared that it will be easier for them to tackle the crisis with the government's support.  "If the government grants us a soft loan, without any interest, we will be able to pay the dues to our staff members," asserted Naushad.