Headlines from China: Chinese Government Selects 5000 Cinemas  to Screen Propaganda Content 

Chinese Government Selects 5000 Cinemas  to Screen Propaganda Content 

China’s media regulator will select 5000 movie theaters across the country to form a “People’s Cinema Line,” according to a recent statement from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television (SAPPRFT). The selected cinemas will be designated to play main-melody (aka propaganda) films on special occasions, and should implement various strategies, including discounts,  group sales, and cash rewards, to attract audience. Read more on Ent Group

28 Out of 100 Best Selling Local Films in 2017 Were Profitable 

According to WeChat media account yiyipaidianying, 28 out of 100 best selling local films were profitable in 2017, 19 broke even, and the rest 53 lost money. It’s also estimated that overall less than 10 percent of the films from last year were profitable. Looking at the 28 profitable films, most of them are comedies. While comedy brings more return on investment, genres such as suspense, fantasy, and romance present more risk. Read more on 163.com

Oscar Frontrunner ‘The Shape of Water’ Passes Chinese Censorship 

American fantasy drama film The Shape of Water has passed Chinese censorship, and is set to release theatrically in the middle kingdom, according to sources familiar with the matter. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this fantasy film is expected to sweep this year’s Academy Awards. Local video site iQiyi has nabbed the digital rights to the film in China. Read more on Mtime

‘Secret Superstar’ Stays on Top of China Box Office after 21 Days in Release

Thursday (Feb. 8)’s single-day box office earning was only slightly over $10 million. Indian drama film Secret Superstar continues to top the charts after 21 days in release. Behind Secret Superstar were Chinese romantic drama Till the End of the World and sci-fi action film Maze Runner:The Death Cure. Today, only one local film Miss Puff will open in theater. The next week, several highly anticipated local films will crowd into the most competitive season-Chinese New Year holiday. Read more on Mtime