V. Film Distribution and Projection Approval

After the filming is completed and the content is c ensored, the film enters the distribution and projection stage. Only companies and enterprises can engage in film distribution activities, which should generally be carried out in the form of film distribution entities. Film projection activities can be carried out by companies, enterprises or individuals, but generally also in the name of film projection entities.

To engage in film distribution and projection business at fixed projection venues, it is necessary to obtain an administrative license for admission from the film administrative department of the State Council.

The Film Industry Promotion Law stipulates that an enterprise which meets the personnel and fund conditions suitable for film distribution may, with the approval of the film department of the State Council or the film department of the people's government of the province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government where it is located, engage in film distribution. An enterprise or an individual industrial and commercial household which meets the personnel, venue, technology, equipment, and other conditions suitable for film projection may, with the approval of the film department of the people's government of the county where it is located, engage in film projection at fixed projection venues such as cinemas.

A film department responsible for approving film distribution or projection shall, within 30 days of accepting an application, make a decision to approve or disapprove the application. If conditions are met, it shall approve the application, grant a Permit for Film Distribution Business or a Permit for Film Projection Business, and issue an announcement of it;otherwise, it shall disapprove the application, notify in writing the applicant of the decision and the reasons.

Compared with the sixty-day approval time limit stipulated in the Regulations on the Administration of Movies,the Film Industry Promotion Law has a shorter time limit for examination and approval of film distribution and projection activities, which is 30 days. The 30 days' time limit for approval shall prevail,because the Film Industry Promotion Law is a new law implemented in 2017.