New data shows Chinese cinemas took in a record 6.9 billion yuan, or just over 1 billion U.S. dollars, through February.

 

This tops the North American take by about 250 million U.S. dollars.

 

This marks the first time the monthly box office in China has overtaken North America, buoyed¹ by the Spring Festival holiday.

 

Breakout performances of Chinese films including "The Mermaid²", "The Monkey King 2" and "The Man From Macau 3" are also a major factor behind the sharp rise in movie ticket sales.

 

Some are suggesting if the current growth rate were to be maintained, China could surpass the United States to become world's largest film market in the first half of next year.

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