Jean Cho Yee-Tak Reflects on Closure of Cine-Art House Amid HK$640 Million Decline in Hong Kong Cinemas
Hong Kong's film industry faces decline as the Cine-Art House, the sixth cinema to close in 2024, bids farewell amid dwindling box office revenues. The cinema in Kowloon City provided affordable tickets, attracting regular patrons like Jean Cho Yee-Tak. On its final day, Cine-Art House distributed free tickets to express gratitude to loyal audiences. With HK$640 million box office revenues this year, cinema closures signal significant challenges in the HK film landscape.
Cine-Art House Closure: A Reflection of Trends
The twinkling lights of the Cine-Art House went dark after serving as a cherished neighborhood cinema.
- Opening Timeline: Established in December 2019, just before the pandemic.
- Patron Response: Audience members expressed shock and nostalgia over the closure.
- Ticket Pricing: Many locals favored the inexpensive prices, as low as HK$30-$40.
- Film Popularity: Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, based in the same historical neighborhood, drew significant viewership.
Impact of Box Office Declines on Hong Kong's Cinemas
As of June, the overall first-half box office revenue stood at HK$640 million, over 17% down from last year.
- Historical Comparisons: The total annual revenue peaked at HK$1.99 billion in 2015.
- Post-Pandemic Recoveries: 2023 revenue dipped to HK$1.43 billion, resembling 2011 levels.
- Future Concerns: Several notable cinemas like President Theatre and Golden Harvest also succumbed to ongoing market pressures.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.