Nowruz box office draws 31,000 viewers despite wartime constraints
Iran’s cinemas sold about $17,100 worth of tickets to more than 31,000 moviegoers during the Nowruz holidays, official data from the Cinema Management and Screening System (SAMFA) showed, as theaters operated under wartime constraints.
The New Year slate, running through April 4, unfolded in markedly different conditions from post-pandemic seasons, with fewer titles on release and reduced footfall. Even so, the turnout was “notable” given the circumstances, industry figures indicated, ISNA reported.
Four holiday releases led the market. ‘Midnight’ by Mohammad Hossein Mahdavian topped the chart, drawing over 19,600 viewers and grossing about $10,700. ‘Gambler’ by Mohsen Bahari followed with more than 5,300 admissions and roughly $3,000 in sales. ‘Paradise for Criminals,’ directed by Masoud Jafari Jozani, logged around 3,200 viewers and about $1,700, while ‘Line of Rescue’ by Vahid Mousaian attracted close to 2,900 viewers and generated roughly $1,600.
Cinemas reopened on March 16, allowing several holdover titles to remain on screen alongside the new releases. Those earlier films drew about 40,000 viewers and brought in more than $11,400 over the same period.
Exhibitors have rolled out evening programs from 6 p.m. at select venues near major public squares, aiming to “draw in” audiences before nightly gatherings in the streets. The strategy has helped sustain attendance as operators adjust to a tighter slate and shifting viewing patterns.
Other titles currently screening include ‘Nilo’s Visage,’ ‘Ahmad,’ ‘The Electrical Girl,’ and animated features ‘The Legend of Sepehr,’ ‘Juliet and the King,’ and ‘Queen Alishon,’ maintaining a diverse lineup across the country.