The box office broke the 10-billion-yuan mark last year. In fact, the box office collection in 2011 touched 13.12 billion yuan ($2.08 billion). The number of film productions and screenings both increased last year. The Chinese film industry has entered a phase of prosperity and we should find ways to ensure that it lasts, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

The rapid rate of urbanization in China is conducive to the growth of the Chinese cultural industry, including the film industry. Cultural facilities such as movie theaters will be in greater demand with hundreds of millions of people moving to newly built cities and towns. Besides, the improved environment for copyright protection also guarantees the film industry's healthy development.

With the help of cultural restructuring and introduction of competition to the film industry, a smooth system for investment, financing and film production and distribution has been established.

But the gradual improvement of the exterior environment does not necessarily mean that the quality of domestic films has improved.

A careful look at last year's gratifying box office returns reveals that domestic films have not made as much inroad as they should have in the domestic market.

Inflated ticket prices are one of the major reasons why people are dissuaded from watching movies in cinemas. Films are no longer a source of entertainment for the general people because their average income level is low, which in fact runs counter to the historical trend and hinders the expansion of the film industry.

What is most depressing for the audience is that the prices of tickets of domestic films do not measure up to their quality. If this continues, domestic films will not only fail to attract Chinese audience, but also lose the battle against overseas movies at the box office.

Therefore, Chinese filmmakers must put all their energy to make good quality films at moderate prices and ensure the growth of the Chinese film industry.

(China Daily 01/31/2012 page9)