A nationwide one-card movie pass system is to be introduced in Beijing on October 31, a local newspaper has reported.

The Beijing Times reported today that the introduction of the one-card movie pass system has been in preparation for several months and will be launched by the national film bureau and China's Cinema Distribution Association. It's an artificial intelligence card system that covers 250 cinemas in 70 cities around the country.

Card carriers will generally benefit from a 10 percent reduction at box offices, except on Tuesday, already the 50 percent discount day for moviegoers, and purchase discounted food and drinks at participating cinemas. An official surnamed Zhang told the paper that though people nowadays spent more money on going to the movies, the attendance patterns suggested it was only an occasional treat.    

"The one-card pass system is aimed at providing convenience for audiences," said Zhang. To become part of the scheme movie fans will pay 15 yuan (US$1.9) for the production cost of the card and hold on deposit on them at least 100 yuan (US$12.67). 

Beijing Stellar Cinema International will be the first to be involved in the initiative. The paper said the one-card pass system will be widely promoted across the country by the end of this year, and cover most cities with high-consumption demands early next year. 

The IC one-card pass system is one latest step that the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television introduces to promote the Chinese box office.

(China.org.cn by Zhang Rui, October 26, 2006)