Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Jan 23, (THAINDIAN NEWS) According to Chinese media outlets, “Avatar”, the critically acclaimed sci-fi epic by James Cameron, would be pulled out from all 2-D screens. Most of the Chinese theaters do not have 3-D technology. While movie theaters with 2-D screens will replace “Avatar” with the Chinese movie “Confucius”, 3-D and IMAX versions of “Avatar” will continue playing in theaters.

“Avatar” generated a lot of revenue in China. It earned $76 million from China’s movie tickets. However, the success story of “Avatar” is causing a sense of fear in the domestic industry. Reports from China as well as U.S. show that government wants to promote its domestic industry. At the most, 20 foreign films can run in the theaters of China in a year. They can run for 10 days excluding major holidays. This will give the domestic industry an opportunity to bloom and generate money.

There could be another cause of government intervention. The film shows human beings conquering aliens, for the urge of obtaining minerals which the earth badly needs. Chinese citizens can identify with this concept as urban development projects like the “Three gorges dam” forced them to shift from their lands. The violence portrayed on screen might influence the viewers as well. Perhaps that is the other reason for the ban of the movie from 2-D theaters. The film “Avatar” has already crossed its 10-day run in theaters. Moreover, “the Lunar New Year” is approaching soon. It is obvious that on this occasion government will not lose the opportunity to enhance the market value of the domestic industry. Especially when it comes to a patriotic movie like “Confucius” which revolves around the life of peace loving, revered philosopher of China.