Cinemas is one of the sectors which mostly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated on September 24, 2021, starting from October 1, the operation of cultural facilities (including concert halls), as well as conference halls, cinemas, theatres, is allowed, provided 50% occupancy.

On December 30, Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) of Azerbaijan Orkhan Mammadov and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the chain of cinemas CinemaPlus Zaur Darabzade discussed the activities of cinemas against the background of the lifting of some restrictions due to the pandemic.

The head of KOBİA noted that the mitigation of the COVID rules plays important role for the revitalization and development of the activity of this sector. According to him, the pandemic has created new realities and norms of behaviour. The proliferation of online service platforms has had a significant impact on the choice of resources through which people can watch new movies. But in any case, cinemas are able to resist and compete with innovative technological developments. The development of culture and the creative industry, including cinemas and film industry, is part of the government's priority agenda.

O. Mammadov stressed that the proposals and ideas expressed in the framework of today's discussions, as well as joint activities in the coming period, will contribute to further revival in the cinema sector.