Comment on "Debate: Chinese Film" (China Daily, July 4)

As far as I know, movies that deal with culture are not as popular in China as they are in North America.

I live in a Chinese city that has a population of about 3 million. Surprisingly, my city has only two cinema halls, which have uncomfortable seats, poor quality screens and bad acoustics.

If the Chinese government really wants to develop the domestic film industry, it should first raise the level of cinemas and their technical aspects to attract more viewers.

As to the content of films, not all of them have to have a deep meaning and profound message. A majority of the viewers go to the cinema for entertainment and relaxation. They watch a film primarily to escape from the stress of their daily routine.

Since China has a huge population, it can easily develop a successful and lucrative film industry larger than that of the United States if it takes the right track.

Lorne, on China Daily website

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(China Daily 07/18/2011 page9)