The Shanghai International Film Festival had been put off due to the coronavirus, and no one was expecting it could be back so soon after only one month. This is China's first large-scale in-person International film festival held during the pandemic.

Movie fans can enjoy over 300 movies in 29 movie theaters. The organizers even arranged seven temporary outdoor theaters across the city.

But it might also raise some health safety concerns. How is the festival making sure people are safe as they watch movies together?

Cinemas in Shanghai have all taken very strict disinfecting measures since the coronavirus is easily transmitted in closed spaces.

As you enter the cinema, staff will take your temperature and you need to apply hand sanitizer. To maintain social distancing, only 30 percent of the seats are open to the public. 

Offline ticket sales were moved online to avoid unnecessary human contact. And food and drinks are not allowed in the theater. People have to keep their masks on throughout the movie.

Since the number of seats was reduced this year, it's hard to get a ticket. Over 100,000 tickets sold out online within 10 minutes.

Disinfection spray, hand sanitizer, face masks, and disposable gloves are available at all seven outdoor theaters in Shanghai. Because of the pandemic, the number of seats is limited, and they are also far apart.

The festival this year has strict protective measures in place, making sure moviegoers are safe even as they enjoy the film offerings. 

_{Reporter: Liu Chen}

_{Videographer: Zhang Wanbao, Ai Yan, Zhang Xiaohe, Liu Chen}

_{Video editor: Liu Chen}