CGV and three other cinema chains petitioned to extend movie times past midnight. VNA/VNS Photo Thu Hương

HÀ NỘI — Four of the biggest cinema chains in Việt Nam, CGV, BHD Star, Galaxy, and Lotte, have petitioned the Prime Minister for permission to remain open past midnight.

The petition was filed in light of a regulation that is undergoing revision and supplementation and that calls for an administrative penalty of between VND5 and 10 million (US$214-427) to be imposed on cinemas that show movies past midnight.

This regulation, according to representatives of cinema-holding companies, has been limiting the audience's opportunity to enjoy movies, and it is not in line with the government's policy of diverse development of cultural services and healthy entertainment at night.

Therefore, they urged that the Prime Minister consider rescinding the provisions of this decree prior to its passage in November of this year.

According to a Lotte Cinema insider, midnight showings aren't presently offered, but in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie business is hoping to expand its hours in order to capitalise on holidays like Halloween and Christmas.

In a number of countries, nighttime activities are not only viewed as appealing tourist and entertainment offerings, but have also become the primary source of revenue for the tourism and cultural sectors. This includes movie screenings, stated theatre chain executives.

Cinemas in Việt Nam, especially in big cities like Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng and HCM City, contribute significantly to the demand and growth potential of retail, entertainment, and nightlife services.

Vi Kiến Thành, director of the Cinema Department, stated that the petition had been received and that this issue needs to be consulted on by the Government and other agencies. VNS