Marvel film attracts crowds in Saigon

Movie lovers wait in line to purchase tickets at a Galaxy Cinema in Tan Binh District last Sunday.
According to a representative of the cinema chain, the number of attendees over the weekend was ten times higher than usual due to the new flicks “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Stand By MeDoraemon 2”.

After reopening on Nov. 19, cinemas in Saigon have screened a variety of Hollywood blockbusters, including Eternals that earned more than VND16 billion (over $697,000) and had the greatest theater occupancy rate prior to Spider-Man.
Nguyen Hoang Hai, a representative of cinema chain CGV, stated that during the first week of reopening, the company’s income was 30-35 percent of the pre-pandemic level. However, the drop in ticket sales is expected as industry leaders explain it would take time for movie enthusiasts to feel confident enough to head back to the cinema.

Viewers must submit online medical declarations, carry Covid vaccine certificates, wear masks and disinfect their hands before entering the theater.

Online ticket sales are encouraged to minimize physical contact.

People wait inside a movie theater.

Ky Duong, from District 4, arrived at the theater early to take photos next to the movie poster at the CGV Cinema in District 7.
“I didn’t go to cinema right after it reopened and waited until today since I am a huge fan of Spider-Man. I can’t wait to enjoy the movie on the big screen,” he said.

Quang Huy, from Go Vap District, went to see a movie with a group of friends as soon as he finished work.
“My favorite pastime is watching movies. But, because of the epidemic, I haven’t been able to attend the theater for six months.”

People gather in the lobby before the screening begins at 8:15 p.m.
Many movie goers said this was their first trip back to the theatre since the lockdown.

At present, theaters are only operating at about 50 percent capacity to prevent the spread of Covid.
A Galaxy Cinema employee said: “It’s the holiday season, so attendance is greater than normal. Even if it is still not comparable to last year, the fact that more people are going to the movies during this period is a positive sign for the cinema industry.”