The increase in cinema halls brings the goal of reaching 1,000 by March 20, 2026, within reach. Currently, around 100 cinema halls are under construction, and with recent agreements, achieving this target by the end of next year seems plausible, IRNA reported.
New cinema halls are not confined to new constructions; ongoing renovations are also contributing to the increase. Notably, Cinema Azadi recently added four new screens, while Aryan Mall Cinema in Tehran and Sahil Cinema Sahel Ahwaz each expanded their offerings by one and two screens, respectively. Initiatives to establish cinemas in towns lacking such facilities are being pursued vigorously, potentially enhancing access to cinematic experiences across the country.
Despite the recent growth, Iran's cinema infrastructure remains inadequate on an international scale. With a population of approximately 86 million, the country would ideally require 8,600 cinema halls to meet global standards. In contrast, the current situation sees one cinema hall for every 96,000 residents, an improvement from one per 104,000 in 2023 and one per 154,000 in 2021.
At present, 90 cities with populations between 50,000 and 100,000, along with over 50 cities boasting populations exceeding 100,000, are without cinemas. Authorities aim to ensure that a significant number of these cities gain access to cinematic facilities within the next two years. Plans and agreements are in place to expand the total number of cinema halls to 2,000 by March 20, 2029.
The expansion has also increased the total seating capacity to approximately 174,000, with about 53,000 seats located in Tehran and over 121,000 in other provinces. However, the uneven distribution of cinema facilities across the country has contributed to a lack of audience engagement. Regions with a higher number of seats have experienced greater success at the box office, while those with fewer options struggle to attract viewers.
A case in point is Bandar Abbas Mall, which opened with three screens that accommodate 525 viewers. Despite its relatively small size, it has successfully attracted audiences, raising the province's ranking in cinema attendance.
The stagnation of cinema audiences, which persisted for two decades until two years ago, can be attributed in part to the deterioration of cinema facilities. Many cinemas that served the public from the 1960s to the 1980s have since been closed or fallen into disrepair, leading to an increase in cities without cinemas and a corresponding decline in viewer numbers.
The current cinema hall revival, which has gained momentum over the past decade, is expected to continue its upward trajectory. With ongoing initiatives, the industry anticipates record-breaking audience engagement and box office performance in the coming years.
NOURNEWS