The Kenya Film Classification Board has submitted its recommendations to the Ministry of Health as the corporate moots plan to reopen cinema halls – By Gerald Gekara.
This is part of an effort to rejuvenate the entertainment industry currently suffering from government restrictions to contain the coronavirus.
In his address, KFCB chairman Dr. Ezekiel Mutua said that film hall and cinema theatres are best placed to implement health guidelines, as opposed to other institutions.
“We believe there is no reason not to open because we are better placed to implement health measures e.g. Social distancing, temperature checks, and sanitizing points. All the measures will be implemented as per the COVID-19 guidelines,” said Dr. Mutua.
While explaining the urgency of reopening the film industry in Kenya, Dr. Mutua cited the opening of global film markets saying the move will be able to open up Kenyan filmmakers to opportunities in international markets.
Half-full Premieres
In order to comply with set out COVID-19 guidelines, cinema halls will be required to hold half their capacities, with film centers holding 3,000 people forced to hold 1,500 people.
The ticketing agencies will also be forced to authorize online ticket buying platforms, which were already in place before the pandemic.
Among other measures the halls will have to observe, is the supply of sanitizing points, temperature guns, and handwashing facilities.
The closure of entertainment joints, film centers, and theatre halls has dealt a huge blow to the art and entertainment industry, forcing them to switch to other professions to put food on their tables.
Around the world
The Empire Strikes Back was the most popular release during the second weekend that screens were reopened in England after lockdown.
While Europe appears to be in a better position than the U.S. regarding the pandemic, the region may not have any meaningful new content to show at re-opened theaters until North America is back online.
Latin America, seems to be further behind an eventual reopening, with experts having grim speculations if it will open at all in the third quarter.
The Chinese government however, has not disbursed any information about the resumption of business for the exhibition industry
