
BEIJING, July 10 -- Chinese cinemas have been ordered to reserve screens for domestic animations between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. for the next 52 days, a move to prop up China's animation industry and entertain children during the school holidays.
More than 2,000 cinemas, almost half the total in the Chinese mainland, will block off the two hours and offer discounted tickets from July 11 to the end of August, the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television said on Friday.
"The Morning Animations move is aimed at providing more cultural works for children who are on their summer vacation and giving more room for animated movies' development," the administration said, adding that 18 Chinese animations will be screened this summer.
The move won't affect the programming of other films as cinemas will adjust timings in advance, according to the administration.
In 2014, 34 domestic animated features were released in cinemas in China, the world's second-largest film market. They grossed nearly 1.1 billion yuan (about 178 mln U.S. dollars), 68 percent more than in 2013 but still just 3.67 percent of the country's annual box office.
The films' poor quality and Hollywood competition are blamed.
The administration said Morning Animations may become a regular event during weekends and holidays.
Top 10 summer resorts across China
Campus belle in HK goes viral online
Get ready for the world's most thrilling water rides
Evolution of Chinese beauties in a century
Creative graduation caps of ‘vigorous elves’
Typhoon class strategic Submarine in photos
Japan’s crimes committed against "comfort women"
Legendary life of a bee-keeping master in Hainan
4-year-old cute 'monk' spends summer holiday in temple
Top 10 most competitive Chinese cities in Belt and Road Initiative
Top 10 travel destinations in the world
Promote reform as stock market stabilizes
Taking stock: the ups and downs of Chinese shareholders
Small rise in CPI shows growth still slack: experts
Donations struggle to grow after China stops getting organs from executed prisonersDay|Week