Is there a happy ever after for cinema operators?
As they emerge from the pandemic, Singapore’s cinemas hope to draw back the crowds with a greater focus on alternative programming and premium experiences.
Paige Lim
WHEN Covid-19 struck in 2020, some wondered if it would sound the death knell for cinemas. Theatres across the world had to shut or run at reduced capacity for months. Streaming services reached their peak, entertaining millions stuck at home during lockdowns.
Today, with Covid curbs lifted, the buzz has returned to theatres. Star-studded gala premieres are back. Yet the pandemic’s impact on cinemas, including in Singapore, has been undeniable.
Cinemas have lost favour with mall operators as anchor tenants. In early 2022, Filmgarde Cineplexes shut its cinemas at Bugis+ and Century Square, retaining only its Kallang location. In June, mainboard-listed mm2 Asia announced the closure of its historic Cathay Cineplex at Handy Road, as part of “cost rationalisation for its cinema operations”.
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