Cinemas busy again after Ramadan and World Cup
The crowds are back at cinemas across the country after a relatively dull period that began in June when the 2014 FIFA World Cup got under way in Brazil.
A number of screens have recorded “good patronage” since the first day of Eid al-Fitr with cine-goers turning up in large numbers, according to cinema operators.
Multiplexes across Doha and the two halls in Globe Cinema Complex on the outskirts of the Industrial Area have witnessed good crowds over the last couple of days, visits to these place show.
An official of Globe Cinema said their halls had been receiving a large number of patrons since the first day of Eid and the company expected this trend to continue for at least the next month.
Late-evening as well as afternoon screenings at the two halls got a good response from film viewers on the first two days of Eid. “We expect a similar response in the coming days as well,” said an official.
There are plans to open two more halls in the complex, which is fast becoming a popular film destination among a large section of expatriates. With tickets priced at QR15 each, the place is attracting good crowds almost every day, it is learnt.
Similar patronage could also be seen at multiplexes in Doha. The screens at City Center Doha and The Mall, among others, saw a good response on the first two days of Eid. “We had a lean period in the last two months but things look good now,” said an official of Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution Company, which operates screens at The Mall, Royal Plaza and Landmark.
Gulf Times had reported last month how the month-long football World Cup had taken a toll on cinemas. Many people also avoided going to cinemas during the holy month of Ramadan, it is understood.
Though some halls came up with special promotions to woo patrons during the period, the incentives did not have much of an impact on regular cine-goers, said sources.
Should have checked the Cinema at the Pearl, it was flooding ..
But there is hardly anyone in that pic.lol