China Media Group (CMG) announced in Beijing on Monday that it is collaborating with China Film Group to live stream the upcoming events of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games in hundreds of Chinese cinemas.

Film and TV authorities, executives and guests launch the "Games Wide Open" initiative to broadcast the Paris Olympics in Chinese cinemas at a press event held in Beijing on July 22, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

The Paris 2024 Olympics, marking the Games' return to Paris after 100 years, is a significant international sporting event that also reinforces cultural exchange. In light of this and coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations, CMG, China Film Group, and China Broadcasting Film Television Satellite Co., Ltd. (CBSAT) have partnered in this exclusive, innovative agreement to enhance sports fans' viewing experience.

Jiang Wenbo, a member of CMG's editorial board, emphasized in his speech that broadcasting the Olympic Games in cinemas through this initiative, called "Games Wide Open," is a timely and practical measure. It provides a new avenue for the public to view the Paris Olympics and allows Chinese audiences to celebrate the performances and achievements of Chinese athletes, experience the spirit of sports and strengthen national sentiment.

Fu Ruoqing, chairman of China Film Group, echoed that they are diligently finalizing live broadcast arrangements. He believes that broadcasting CMG's Olympic programs in real-time on big screens nationwide will offer audiences an unprecedented audiovisual experience and an outstanding Olympic feast.

"This is not only a creative attempt to empower Olympic competitions with movie technology, but also an exploration by China Film Group to further delve into non-film content in coordination with broadcasting platforms, innovatively enhancing the diverse development of cinema functions," Fu said. He added that this initiative represents a significant cross-industry integration between the Chinese film industry and international sports, marking a key step in expanding cultural frontiers and promoting cultural and sports development.

Two Olympic champions were also present at the press event for the launch of "Games Wide Open." Olympic gold medalist and former national table tennis player Ding Ning expressed her excitement about the prospect of watching table tennis matches on the big screen, having been stunned by the initiative's promotional video, which was played on a silver screen. Dong Dong, the 2012 London Olympics men's trampoline champion, was also eager to experience the Olympic Games in cinemas, describing it as "immersive" and full of "atmosphere."

The 33rd Summer Olympic Games will be held in Paris, France, from July 26 to Aug. 11, 2024. The Games will feature 32 major sports and award 329 gold medals. The Chinese delegation, consisting of 716 members, will compete in 30 major sports across 42 events. The "Games Wide Open" initiative will be launched in hundreds of cinemas nationwide and will broadcast live events such as table tennis, badminton, diving, volleyball, basketball and soccer.