Lion charges into multiplexes as it claims $25m around the world.

Full houses on first afternoon, a standing ovation at the latest Q&A and the perfect opening date - Lion is making history.
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Image: Lion gets cuddles from audiences in multiplex glory. 

Film executives all over Australia will be gasping with relief over the Thursday opening figures for Lion. It opened on 254 screens and harvested box office as soon as the pixils started to pour out of the projectors. 

$748,000 on that first day. That adds up to $3000/screen on a nondescript weekday in the school holidays in the soft third week of January before Australia Day. With $800,000 in previews the picture has already taken $1,549m.

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David Tiley was the Editor of Screenhub from 2005 until he became Content Lead for Film in 2021 with a special interest in policy. He is a writer in screen media with a long career in educational programs, documentary, and government funding, with a side order in script editing. He values curiosity, humour and objectivity in support of Australian visions and the art of storytelling.