Cinema Trade Group Says 70% of Smaller U.S. Theaters May Fail
- Owners, directors are asking asked Congress to OK relief funds
- Largest U.S. cinema chains have struggled during pandemic
Photographer: Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images
Almost three-quarters of small and midsize cinemas in the U.S. are at risk of bankruptcy, and about 100,000 people who work in the industry could lose their jobs as a result of the pandemic, according to the National Association of Theatre Owners.
Exhibitors need government support to recover from the “devastating financial blow” caused by the coronavirus, NATO said Wednesday in a letter to Congressional leaders, joined by trade groups representing film directors and studios.