IMAX and Hengdian Films sign agreement for 20 new locations in China

In another move to expand its presence in Asia, IMAX is expanding its partnership with Hengdian Films through an agreement for 20 new IMAXs with laser systems across China. This is the largest deal for new IMAX systems in four years and reinforces strong demand from Chinese exhibitors and audiences for the premium experience of Hollywood and local content.

The new IMAX locations will be in Jingdezhen, Ulanqab and Zhangjiakou, all of which are the first locations for IMAX in China. Additionally, new locations will open in Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Jiujiang, Hohhot and Yangzhou, with more to be confirmed.

The multiscreen deal comes after IMAX China delivered its highest-grossing summer season ever at the box office. As of 2023, IMAX has earned over $18.4 million from Christopher Nolan Oppenheimer This represents 30% of the movie’s opening weekend on less than 1% of Chinese screens. The fantasy epic Creation of the gods also became IMAX China’s top summer title of all time, with IMAX taking 10% of the film’s total revenue. Earlier this year, IMAX posted its best-ever Chinese New Year box office for films, driven by The Wandering Earth 2It is now the most successful local language film of all time.

Hengdian focuses on film and television investment, production, distribution, exhibitions and other derivative activities. The company has established 503 theaters with a total of 3,154 screens spread across 197 cities in 29 provinces.

Hengdian and IMAX have been in business since 2015. The new agreement brings the total number of IMAX locations with Hengdian Films to 27.

Xu Tianfu, chairman of Hengdian Films, said: “We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with IMAX through this agreement, which represents an important step forward in our film multiplex development strategy and reflects our unwavering confidence in the Chinese film market.” year was decisive for the revival of the industry. From Chinese New Year to the summer season, moviegoers have consistently shown great enthusiasm and demand for quality content and a premium experience. Together with IMAX, we look forward to offering audiences in more cities an even more immersive and colorful cinema experience.”

IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond added: “We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Hengdian Films and expand into new markets as more exhibitors worldwide increase their commitment to IMAX and drive significant growth across our network this year” Thanks its robust mix of vernacular and Hollywood content China continues to experience a rapid theatrical recovery post-COVID, and as we see in markets around the world, box office recovery is often followed by network growth for IMAX.