Why did china killed Avatar?

Google isn't the only American commodity being driven out of China. Avatar, James Cameron's highly successful and critically acclaimed sci-fi epic, will be pulled from all 2-D screens in China by this weekend, according to Chinese media outlets.

Although 3-D and IMAX versions of the film will continue, the majority of Chinese movie theaters are not equipped with 3-D technology. As a result, the movie will be pulled from 1,628 movie screens across the country (compared to only 800 3-D and IMAX cinemas). Avatar will be replaced with Confucius, a domestically produced biopic about the renowned Chinese philosopher. Why?

Avatar generated record-breaking profits in China, earning $76 million in Chinese ticket sales so far. The film's financial success, however, may have led to its demise. Several reports from both the mainland and U.S. indicate that the government wants to promote and protect the domestic film industry. Currently, only 20 films can be imported per year, in order to reduce foreign competition. These films can only run for 10 days and are often curtailed during a major holiday, giving domestic films a significant market advantage.

Avatar's resonance with Chinese audiences also may have prompted government intervention. In the film, humans attempt to conquer the alien-inhabited world of Pandora, which contains a mineral that the Earth desperately needs. Many Chinese citizens see a close parallel to their own lives, as urban developments and projects such as the Three Gorges Dam force them off their land. Perhaps the government is worried that the ensuing violence on-screen may incite violence off-screen as well.

At first glance, the decision to pull Avatar is not exceptional. The film has indeed lapsed its 10-day run and a holiday -- the Lunar New Year -- is approaching. In addition, foreign films often contain themes that the government is not fond of. What is exceptional is the timing. A week after Google threatened to leave China, the Chinese government shows no signs of changing its restrictive censorship policies. I don't think it is mere coincidence that Confucius -- a state-sanctioned, state-produced movie about one of China's most beloved and patriotic figures -- will replace the controversial Avatar. By canning the most successful movie of all time in China, the government shows little concern for free markets or its consumers. Ignoring Chinese consumer demand for Avatar and bait-and-switching it with state propaganda may incite the very criticism that the government seeks to avoid.

China is to pull the plug on screenings of Avatar at most cinemas and replace the Golden Globe-winning film with a patriotic biopic on the life of Confucius, according to reports.

Hong Kong's Apple Daily said the state-run China Film Group has ordered cinemas across China to stop showing the 2D version of the film and to show only the 3D edition, amid concerns from China's censors that it could cause unrest. Because there are so few 3D cinemas on the mainland, the order effectively prevents general distribution of the James Cameron blockbuster.

Parallels have reportedly been drawn between the plight of the Na'vi, who face the threat of eviction from their woodland home, and those in China vulnerable to displacement by predatory property developers.

Bloggers are speculating about the toll Avatar could inflict on home-grown films. The Confucius picture is directed by Hu Mei and stars Chow Yun-fat as the sage.

"The Central Publicity Department is said to have issued an order to the media prohibiting it from hyping up Avatar," the newspaper said.

The film opened on 4 January to queues across the country, with Imax cinemas said to be booked for weeks ahead. It was due to run until 28 February, including over Chinese new year. Instead, the reports said, the 2D version will close on 23 January.

According to one reputable blog, the Wuxi Big World Cineplex posted the following notice to its website: "China Film Group Company and the distribution network have given notice that Avatar (all versions) will close immediately on 23 January all across the country! We ask your understanding! Viewers who have purchased tickets for the 23rd and the 24th may obtain a refund from the box office before the 22nd! To satisfy the viewing needs of the audience, the cinema will add midnight showings from the 21st and 22nd. Grab them quickly!"

The posting was later taken down, with the China News Agency, which spoke to the cinema, saying it had been an error. The 2D Avatar was to close on the 23rd but 3D showing would continue.