On May 10, 2025, Hong Kong cinemas celebrated 'All Hong Kong Cinema Day' by offering tickets at a flat rate of 30 Hong Kong dollars, drawing substantial crowds to theaters across the city. This annual event, organized by the Hong Kong Chamber of Cinemas for the third consecutive year, saw participation from 53 cinemas, all of which offered tickets for various movie formats, including 4D and panoramic sound versions.
In Mong Kok, a long queue formed at the box office of Broadway Cinema, where eager moviegoers lined up to purchase tickets. The excitement was palpable as some screenings were nearly sold out, with only a few seats remaining in the front rows close to the screen. Ms. Cheung, who hadn’t visited a cinema in a month, took her family of five to watch 'Borrow Your Dream.' After the film, they planned to enjoy a Thai dinner nearby.
Mr. Yau and his girlfriend also opted for 'Borrow Your Dream,' highlighting that in addition to the affordable ticket price, they intended to buy snacks to support the cinema and then go shopping afterward. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. and Mrs. Lui, who expressed their disappointment over the recent closure of several cinemas and their hope for more engaging films to draw audiences back. "If there are good movies, I will definitely watch!" Mr. Lui stated.
In Shatin, MCL MOVIE TOWN reported a similar surge in attendance, with many afternoon and evening screenings nearly at full capacity. Patrons commented on the value of the 30-dollar ticket, with some noting that it was cheaper than the prices in Shenzhen. Mr. Yick, who planned to see 'Lost Love,' expressed his desire to support local films, while his friend Mr. Hung mentioned that watching movies in Shenzhen typically costs between 30 to 40 RMB, making the Hong Kong price seem like a bargain.
Miss Chung, another cinema-goer, was excited to see 'Lost Love' because it featured her favorite stars. She found the ticket price appealing, especially compared to her usual spending of 70 to 100 Hong Kong dollars for a movie ticket. She emphasized the superior experience of viewing films on a large screen in a theater.
Ms. Tsang, who planned to watch 'Queen of Mipo,' noted that the film’s story about a woman's struggle resonated with her. She typically visits the cinema only once or twice a year and believes that attracting audiences back to theaters hinges on the production of quality films. "If the productions are good, it’s worth going to the cinema, which will attract viewers," she remarked.
Despite the enthusiasm for 'All Hong Kong Cinema Day,' some attendees acknowledged the challenges facing the local cinema industry. Many pointed to the growing popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, which have shifted viewing habits. Mr. Kwai anticipated that screenings would be full and opted to purchase tickets for an early showing of 'Thor: Love and Thunder' for the following day, planning to take his two children. He admitted that his frequency of cinema visits had dwindled due to the convenience of streaming platforms, but he still preferred to see blockbuster films in theaters.
The Chamber of Commerce reported that the event had successfully attracted over 200,000 visits to cinemas in each of the past two years, setting multiple attendance records. The hope is that by offering tickets at a reduced price, they can entice audiences—especially young people who may not have visited cinemas before—to return.
Reflecting on the success of the day, a tourist from Shenzhen suggested that more promotional efforts could be beneficial to inform more visitors about such events. This could potentially enhance attendance and support for Hong Kong’s cinema industry.
As the day unfolded, it became clear that 'All Hong Kong Cinema Day' was more than just a promotional event; it served as a reminder of the communal experience that cinemas provide, bringing families and friends together to enjoy films. The positive response from attendees indicates a strong desire for cinema experiences, despite the competition from home viewing options.
In conclusion, 'All Hong Kong Cinema Day' not only provided an affordable outing for movie lovers but also sparked discussions about the future of cinemas in Hong Kong. With the right films and continued community support, there's hope for a revitalized cinema-going culture in the city.
