When a new film is released in cinemas, moviegoers typically have a few weeks, sometimes up to a month, to catch it on the big screen. This window not only gives fans time to watch, but also allows the production company a chance to turn a profit. But what happens when a film’s cinema run is cut short?
What if it doesn’t make enough money? And what about fans who were eager to watch, only to find it’s no longer showing at their nearest cinema? Malaysian fans have expressed disappointment after discovering that the latest local film, “Gantung: Musketeer Code”, is no longer available in cinemas. Here’s the story:
Earlier this week, Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) announced that Wednesday (11th June) would be the final day to catch “Gantung: Musketeer Code” on the big screen, after just seven days in cinemas. This prompted netizens to plead with the company to extend the film’s run, as many were occupied with Hari Raya Haji celebrations when the film first premiered.
The film’s director, Nadia Mohammad Hatta, also known as Nadia Khan, even took to Twitter to appeal to GSC and TGV Cinemas not to halt the screening. She argued that the film should remain in cinemas for at least two weeks, as it is protected under the “Skim Wajib Tayang” policy. Much to her disappointment, GSC simply replied: “Hi, this is the last day, okay?”. For those unfamiliar, “Skim Wajib Tayang” requires that a film be screened in cinemas for a minimum of two weeks.
However, screenings may be moved from a larger hall to a smaller one for various reasons, such as low audience turnout or viewership. Cinema operators are also permitted to withdraw an approved film entirely if the number of viewers falls below 15%. But even if GSC was legally within its rights to stop screening the film, many fans remain upset with the decision.
Some criticised the cinema company’s dismissive response to the director, while others pointed out that the film’s inconvenient release date, coinciding with Hari Raya Haji, was not taken into account. Fans also accused GSC of hypocrisy, pointing out that while the company has often encouraged Malaysians to support local films, it refused to extend the cinema run of “Gantung: Musketeer Code.”
At the time of writing, GSC has yet to respond to demands. Meanwhile, TGV is still screening the film in two outlets, which are at Strand Kota Damansara and Wangsa Walk. Although very limited, at least fans will still have this chance to watch it in cinemas before it’s too late!
Here’s the trailer for the film:
