Digitalisation of cinema to resurrect Sri Lankan film industry
View(s):Sri Lankan filmgoers will soon be watching digitally transmitted movies in cinema halls countrywide with the implementation of national policy on digitalization of cinemas, a senior government official said.
The government will initiate the process of converting local cinema halls to digital cinemas providing assistance to introduce this new technology, Secretary to the Ministry of Media and Mass Communications, Charitha Herath told the Business Times.
The old cinema-on-reels prints are fast becoming redundant as new films are distributed through digital prints.
International cinema has reached highest of technological standards, and the same experience should be provided to Sri Lankan film viewers as well.
Mr. Herath said that in order to uplift Sri Lankan cinema it is vital to introduce new digital technology.
The government has now addressed the issue of digitalization of theaters with the aim of resurrecting Sri Lankan cinema industry and revitalising film making in all fronts, whether in production, post- production or distribution. He said digital cinema is production, delivery and projection of motion pictures in theatres using digital technology such as hard discs, satellites or other electronic transmission.
In terms of viewing experience, digital format is better as it gives better picture quality and clarity, Mr. Herath said.
It is more cost effective as the exhibitor will not have to invest in projectors or in prints.
Many cinemas in smaller towns won’t have shut down and many non-operational theatres will be brought back to life through digitalization, he pointed out.
The number of cinemas which was 365 in 1979 had fallen to a mere 147 but will be increased with 300 new cinema halls to be set with state assistance.
He expressed the belief this transition to digital technology will help film makers reach wider audiences and streamline the distribution of cinema with the expectation that the wider release of films will in turn result in faster recovery of investments.
Several cinema artistes who staged a protest demonstration last month have demanded the government to implement immediately the decision taken to appoint a regulatory commission to regulate digitalization of cinema display, distribution and screening. Mr. Herath said the ministry was in the process of preparing the national plan at that time and now it is ready to announce and implement it.