Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma will be theatrically released across China on May 10. Beijing company E star has partnered with marketing specialist Joy Pictures and China’s Art House alliance to distribute the film to 3,897 screens. This will be the largest release for the film compared to anywhere else in the world due to the large quantity of theaters that will be screening the movie. The Art House Alliance has been looking to diversify the types of films that are shown in China. They are aiming to show more festival-winning films and less mainstream films.
Because China has not allowed Netflix to provide its service to the country, the only way Roma could be shown there was through allowing E star and Joy Pictures to acquire the rights. Recently, musicals and more niche films have fared well in the country. Shoplifters generated $14.1 million and La La Land was able to earn a respectable $36 million. Shape of Water also made $16.6 million. Films, such as these, that have done well in China are often award-winning films. Green Book has been the most successful awards season film in China. It has earned more than $71 million in the country alone.
This news was reported by The Hollywood Reporter.