Community cinema: open-air magic in Yinchuan nights

Watching movies in the open air has become a hobby of many residents in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photos by Yang Yue'er/for chinadaily.com.cn]

"Grandpa, when will the film begin?" a kid asked. Around him were people attending an open-air cinema recently in Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

Zhang Yinsheng, 63, has served as a part-time movie projectionist for 13 years, and his 30-year-old partner Liu Chunyi for five years.

They often project movies at night from April to October, with equipment provided by a local movie company.

Watching movies in the open air has become a hobby of many residents in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photos by Zhang Xuemei/for chinadaily.com.cn]

The showings are free of charge and often held in residential compounds and public squares across the city.

"Watching an open-air movie in the neighborhood is the happiest time of a day," said Liu Luoxi, a 10-year-old boy who often attends the cinema.

Guo Shuzhen, 75, said the cinema reminded her of joyful moments when she was young.

Watching movies in the open air has become a hobby of many residents in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photos by Zhang Xuemei/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Watching movies in the open air has become a hobby of many residents in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photos by Yang Yue'er/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Watching movies in the open air has become a hobby of many residents in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photos by Zhang Xuemei/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Watching movies in the open air has become a hobby of many residents in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photos by Zhang Xuemei/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Watching movies in the open air has become a hobby of many residents in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photos by Zhang Xuemei/for chinadaily.com.cn]