'Perhaps this is an opportunity for Malaysian films to succeed in China?'
Although China has begun to ease restrictions on its zero-Covid-19 policy, ending the quarantine from January 8, it is seen as failing to help the country's entertainment industry.
The latest film directed by a director of the caliber of James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water may face problems in achieving box office success in China.
In general, the Disney-produced film has managed to collect $1.03 billion at the worldwide box office in 14 days, which is 5 days faster than its first film in 2009.
However, Cameron has previously said that the film needs to gross at least $2 billion to be considered profitable.
However, as of yesterday, the Chinese market only recorded $108 million, compared to the projected $100 million in the first week of release.
It turns out that the absence of China dominating the global entertainment market makes it difficult for filmmakers to achieve box office collections or return capital.
And even as the walled nation begins to ease restrictions it still risks contagion, with China's health system continuing to be under pressure to fight infections.
According to the senior media analyst at Comscore, Paul Dergarabedian, Cameron hopes that the Chinese market can contribute the necessary additional revenue, but the situation does not seem to allow it.
