MUMBAI: The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) has released its annual Theatrical Market Statistics Report for 2011.

The report shows that global box office receipts for all films released around the world reached $32.6 billion, that shows an increase of 3% over that of 2010 due to ongoing growth of box office in international markets.

Each international region experienced box office growth in 2011. Chinese box office grew by 35% in 2011 alone, by far the largest growth in major markets. "These numbers underscore the impact of movies on the global economy and the vitality of the film-watching experience around the world," said MPAA Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd.

"The figures on box office reflect only one indicator of an extremely complex, and evolving movie industry.We‘re working harder and smarter to keep moviegoers coming back for more, whether at the cinema, at home or on the go," ," Dodd said.

The U.S./Canada box office market finished at $10.2 billion, down 4% compared to last year, but up 6% from 5 years ago. 3D box office was down $400 million in 2011 in comparison to 2010, which is not surprising given that 2010 included Avatar‘s record-breaking 3D box office performance. 2D box office remained consistent from 2010 to 2011.

Globally, cinema screens increased by 3% in 2011. Digital cinema continues its rapid growth so that just over half of the world‘s screens are now digital. The number of digital screens in the U.S. nearly doubled in 2011, now comprising 65% of all U.S. screens.