China mandates for its cinemas to screen ‘propaganda films’

According to the publication The Variety, last week China has directed Chinese cinema halls to show propaganda films no less than two times a week. This practice is part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party's establishment.

The country’s National Film Administration and Propaganda Department has issued many such instructions to the entertainment industry explaining their role in the participation of the nationwide celebration.

These cinema houses are responsible for making sure that the screenings are attended by a large audience. They are also to ensure that the screenings yield ‘tangible results’ and are taken seriously by people.

In order to "enhance their (screenings) social impact," local body authorities are responsible to urge people to “actively participate" in these screenings.

Additionally, theatres that are part of the "People's Cinema" circuit or the National Alliance of Arthouse Cinemas, which comprises over 5,000 special halls devoted to propaganda films, are mandated to display propaganda films at least five times in a week.

These films according to the National Film Administration will be “closely focused on the themes of loving the party, loving the nation and loving socialism,” and will “sing the praises of … and eulogize the Party, the motherland, its people and its heroes.”

The National Film Administration is of the belief that films will play a pivotal part in reaching a wider national audience which is essential for the campaign in order to promote "mass propaganda and education" on the theme of "following the Party forever," as well as lay focus on China's military build-up.

The National Film Administration in an official statement said that “outstanding films” are to be screened and promoted by “film authorities in every province, region and municipality, every film and cinema company and every production firm” to commemorate the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party.