UA Cinemas
UA Cinemas was a pioneering Hong Kong cinema chain founded in 1985, known for introducing automated projection and mini-theatre design, which closed its Hong Kong operations in March 2021.
Last updated September 26, 2026
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Overview
UA Cinemas (娛藝院線) was a movie theatre chain brand based in Hong Kong. Established in 1985, it was the first cinema circuit in Hong Kong to introduce fully automated projection systems and miniaturised theatre design, innovations that reshaped local cinema-going. At its peak the chain operated 12 cinemas across Hong Kong. The brand expanded into mainland China, where UA-operated cinemas and the Emperor UA circuit continued after the Hong Kong closure. On 8 March 2021, UA Cinemas abruptly announced the closure of all its Hong Kong cinemas, leaving only seven UA cinemas with 58 screens in mainland China and seven Emperor UA cinemas with 57 screens still operating. The wholly owned mainland UA cinemas were subsequently acquired by Bona Film Group, while the Emperor UA cinemas, actually operated by Emperor Motion Pictures, announced their own full closure on 21 November 2022. The UA Cinemas brand is now defunct as a cinema operator.
History
UA Cinemas (娛藝院線) was founded in 1985 and became one of Hong Kong's major cinema circuits. It was the first chain in Hong Kong to introduce fully automated projection systems and miniaturised theatre design, innovations that influenced the local cinema landscape. At its peak, UA Cinemas operated 12 cinemas across Hong Kong. The brand later expanded into mainland China, operating UA cinemas there and also participating in the Emperor UA cinema circuit. On 8 March 2021, UA Cinemas suddenly announced the closure of all its Hong Kong cinemas. Following the Hong Kong closure, only seven UA cinemas with 58 screens in mainland China and seven Emperor UA cinemas with 57 screens remained in operation. The wholly owned mainland UA cinemas were subsequently acquired by Bona Film Group, while the Emperor UA cinemas, actually operated by Emperor Motion Pictures, announced their full closure on 21 November 2022. The UA Cinemas brand ceased cinema operations.
- 2022
On 21 November, Emperor UA cinemas announced full closure.
- 2021
On 8 March, UA Cinemas announced the closure of all Hong Kong cinemas.
- 1985
UA Cinemas founded in Hong Kong.
Products and positioning
Pioneering Hong Kong cinema chain known for automated projection and mini-theatre design.
Cinema admissions
Movie theatre operations
Recent events
UA Cinemas ceases operations in Hong Kong[3]
Reported:
UA Cinemas announced that it would cease business with immediate effect from March 8, 2021, and close its six remaining sites, citing pressure on its operations since the coronavirus pandemic outbreak.
Sources3 sources
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