Andre Yoskowitz
17 Dec 2007 18:45
The Chinese government, in apparent retaliation for America's decision to file a case against China at the WTO over video piracy, has banned US movies from being shown in Chinese cinemas.
Currently, China restricts the amount of American releases allowed in the country to 20 per year but that number is now 0.
Carlos Gutierrez, the US Commerce Secretary, added: “My understanding is that there is a suspension, which has happened in the past, and there’s certain times of the year where they will suspend foreign movies.”
The blackout seems likely to remain until at least February but most likely May. The ban is the first of its type in China since the mid 90's.
American studios only recently became aware of the ban when their applications to distribute new films began being rejected. A few of the movies rejected were "Enchanted", "Stardust", "Beowulf", and "The Pursuit of Happyness".
Although they are banned, you can be sure that the movies will find their way to street corners all around the country, if they are not already available.
Source:
Times Online