Starting Wednesday, Chinese moviegoers can buy an IC card that allows them to watch films at discounted prices in the cinemas of more than 30 cities. 　　

CEO of China Film Group, Yang Buting (R) and director general of State Administration for Radio, Film and Television, Tong Gang (L) at the debuting ceremony at Stellar International Cineplex in Beijing, October 31.

The IC cards debuted on Tuesday at the Stellar International Cineplex in Beijing. 　　

The cards will allow holders to enjoy all films screened by an initial group of 250 cinemas at prices discounted by 10 to 50 percent. 　　

In addition to tickets, moviegoers can also buy snacks and drinks at the movie theater using the IC cards. 　　

According to the China Film Distribution Association, each IC card has a purchase price of 15 yuan to cover production costs. Holders need to store at least 100 yuan each time they recharge the balance on their card. 　

The IC cards will be extended to cover most cities and regions in China in no more than six months.  It was reported that the one-card movie pass system that will cover 70 cities around the country eventually.　　

This is the second step the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television has introduced to promote the Chinese cinema industry. Half-price movie tickets on Tuesdays were introduced in July last year. 　　　

(CRI November 1, 2006)