China's film industry celebrated a remarkable achievement on Wednesday, the Spring Festival, as the daily box office revenue soared to a new high of 1.805 billion yuan (approximately $249 million). This impressive figure marks a significant milestone, surpassing the previous records set during the 2021 Chinese New Year, according to the China Film Administration (CFA).
On this record-breaking day, a total of 35.15 million moviegoers flocked to cinemas across the country, eager to partake in one of China's most cherished holiday traditions. The Spring Festival holiday, a peak season for movie releases, runs from January 28 to February 4 this year, extending one day longer than in previous years.
The box office success was propelled by the debut of six domestic films, each offering a diverse range of genres to appeal to audiences of all ages and interests. These genres include Chinese mythology, wuxia—which features martial arts and chivalry—comedy, fantasy, animation, and drama. Many of these films are installments in highly acclaimed franchises with established fan bases, contributing to their strong performance.
Huajin Securities analysts noted that the variety of genres catered to a wide spectrum of audience preferences, enhancing the appeal of this year's cinematic offerings. The strong reputations of these franchises have played a pivotal role in attracting large audiences and boosting box office revenues.
In an effort to stimulate the film industry and unleash consumer spending potential, the CFA has encouraged relevant institutions to allocate approximately 600 million yuan in moviegoing consumption subsidies since December last year. This initiative aims to make moviegoing more accessible and encourage more people to enjoy films during the holiday period.
Looking ahead, Kaiyuan Securities predicts a promising future for China's film market. The firm forecasts that total box office takings will see a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase, reaching 8.54 billion yuan during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday.
The record-breaking box office performance not only reflects the robust growth of China's film industry but also underscores the enduring cultural significance of moviegoing during the Spring Festival. As audiences continue to embrace domestic films, the industry is poised for sustained success in the years to come.
Reference(s):
China sees new daily box office revenue record during Spring Festival
cgtn.com
