In the last five years, Oscar-winning director Ang Lee's films Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016) and Gemini Man (2019)－both shot in 3D 4K at the extremely high frame rate of 120 frames per second (the norm is 24)－have pushed domestic cinemas to engage even more with technology exploration. The films opened the market for CINITY, a giant-screen system developed by Huaxia Film Distribution, one of the country's largest film companies.

CINITY, which makes scenes much clearer and brighter, has so far screened more than 30 films and has been installed in around 40 Chinese theaters. In the next five years, the system is planned to be installed in 800 cinemas at home and 300 abroad.

Fu Ruoqing, vice-chairman of China Film Co Ltd and chairman of Huaxia Film Distribution, says he believes, "A good film is naturally born for a big screen."

He adds that streaming can't replace the theatergoing experience.

With the impact of COVID-19 estimated to last for some time, some veterans believe the Chinese film industry will squeeze out speculators, reduce blind investment and shift to quality creations, as well as produce more films with realistic themes.

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn