As Halloween approaches, it’s time to dive into the terrifying titles currently haunting GCC cinemas this season. With exhibitors embracing the spooky spirit, horror movies are taking center stage in the UAE and Gulf region, offering audiences a mix of thrilling, eerie, and supernatural experiences.
VOX Cinemas entices the brave with their “Films for the Fearless” showcase, while Reel Cinemas presents “Frights and Delights,” featuring a range of horror movies in GCC cinemas, from intense psychological thrillers to family-friendly spooks like Maleficent and Hotel Transylvania. This Halloween lineup bridges audiences’ favorite horrors of the year with new cinematic thrills awaiting in theaters.
The highly anticipated sequel Smile 2 returns to UAE screens, building on the success of its 2022 predecessor. Now playing across GCC cinemas, this psychological horror amplifies the chilling atmosphere with its cursed smile, exploring deeper layers of psychological torment. Boasting an impressive 86% on the Tomatometer, Smile 2 cements its place as a must-watch horror movie in GCC cinemas.
A standout this Halloween is Three, an Emirati horror film directed by UAE filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja. Based on real events, the film interweaves Eastern and Western spiritual beliefs, following a young boy named Ahmed as he battles night terrors. Culminating in an Islamic exorcism, Three offers a unique perspective on horror, meeting international standards in storytelling and production quality. This milestone for local cinema makes Three a significant addition to horror movies in GCC cinemas.
Directed by Alexandre Aja, Never Let Go is a gripping survival horror that stars Halle Berry. This film follows a mother and her children as they fight to survive against a relentless evil spirit. Despite mixed reviews around its narrative execution, the film’s intense performances and anxiety-inducing atmosphere deliver a chilling experience for fans of psychological thrillers with supernatural twists.
Bagman, directed by Colm McCarthy, explores the trauma and terror surrounding a mythical creature. Patrick McKee (Sam Claflin) survived an encounter with the “Bagman” as a child, but now the creature returns to haunt him and his family. Combining psychological horror with supernatural elements, this dark thriller promises a suspenseful and terrifying watch.
The latest installment in the Venom franchise, Venom: The Last Dance, is now showing in GCC cinemas. Packed with action and dark twists, this new release sees the anti-hero face off against new threats in a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of gothic horror.
The iconic demonic hunter Hellboy is back in The Crooked Man. Directed by Brian Taylor, this latest adaptation draws Hellboy (David Harbour) into eerie Appalachian folklore to confront the sinister Crooked Man. With praise for its faithful adaptation and stunning visuals, the film blends dark fantasy with folklore horror to offer a gripping narrative.
Latency takes audiences on a psychological journey as Hana, a professional gamer with agoraphobia, tests a new device that connects to her brainwaves. As her reality blurs, the film delivers a mind-bending experience with mixed reviews, praised for its innovative concept but critiqued for its complexity. For fans of psychological thrillers, this film stands out among the horror movies in GCC cinemas.
In Imaginary, a young girl creates an imaginary friend to cope with her loneliness, only to discover a dark side to this mysterious companion. The film dives into psychological and supernatural themes, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of dread.
AfrAId (stylized as AFRAID) is a sci-fi horror directed by Chris Weitz. The story follows the Curtis family as they test a new digital assistant AI named AIA in their home, only to find the AI turning their lives upside down with its increasingly sinister influence.
Wrapping up the list is Bhool Bhulaiyya 3, which follows the success of its predecessor and builds on the established franchise’s blend of horror and suspense. With the recent success of Bollywood horror hit Stree 2, this latest entry captures audiences with its psychological depth and gripping storytelling, set to be a top attraction in GCC cinemas on November 1.
For those seeking Halloween thrills, these horror movies are currently showing across VOX Cinemas, Reel Cinemas, AMC Cinemas KSA and other GCC theaters. Don’t miss your chance to experience these theatrical terrors on the big screen!
Source: Imdb, Rottentomatoes, Screen Rant, Roger Ebert, The Film Three, Cinemacy
Get ready to set sail once again! Moana 2, the eagerly awaited sequel to Disney Animation Studios’ 2016 hit, is on the horizon. Moana (2016) brought us the fearless Polynesian princess and her unforgettable journey with Maui, the demigod, on a quest to save her island. Fans have been buzzing with excitement ever since the announcement of the sequel, and now, the wait is almost over!
In Moana 2, the adventure picks up three years after the original film. Moana sets out on a daring quest to locate the lost island of Motufetu, once a crucial oceanic link. However, this island has been hidden by the vengeful God of Storms, making Moana’s journey more treacherous than ever.
Prepare for an exciting adventure with the introduction of new faces. Simea, Moana’s spirited 3-and-a-half-year-old sister voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, is a bundle of energy and admiration, bringing a fresh and heartwarming dynamic to the story. On the other hand, Matangi, voiced by Awhimai Fraser, is a formidable new antagonist who wields the power of storms. Her unpredictable nature and ominous presence promise to challenge Moana and her crew in unprecedented ways.
Of course, the adventure wouldn’t be complete without the return of beloved characters. Fans can look forward to seeing Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Rachel House as Grandma Tala and more. This blend of new and beloved characters ensures a thrilling ride for audiences.
Animated films have been dominating the box office, and Moana 2 is set to follow suit. The original Moana grossed a staggering $643 million worldwide and attracted over 260,000 admissions during its UAE run. Building on this success, and following the momentum of animated sequels like Inside Out 2—which grossed over $1.6 billion—Moana 2 is poised for another blockbuster run.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as new videos and trailers for Moana’s upcoming adventure have taken the internet by storm, racking up millions of views. The sneak peeks show off stunning ocean battles, touching reunions, and the new track “We’re Back!” from Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear.
Get ready, because Moana 2 is set to release on November 28, 2024.
With Moana 2 being one of the most anticipated films of the year, brands have a unique opportunity to ride the wave of excitement. Whether you’re targeting families, children, or adventure lovers, this sequel will attract audiences of all ages, offering unparalleled advertising opportunities. Contact us to advertise alongside this upcoming family blockbuster.
Source: IMDb, Entertainment Weekly, Collider, Variety, Motivate Val Morgan
In partnership with Havas Media Dubai and Motivate Val Morgan, Hermès returns to the cinema to launch an integrated campaign for the new Hermès Barénia perfume at select cinemas across the Middle East.
This latest campaign promotes Hermès Barénia perfume, a fragrance that embodies free-spirited elegance and the vitality of unbridled femininity. Designed for the modern woman, this enchanting scent celebrates strength, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit, inviting consumers to experience its unique allure.
Off-Screen Sampling – UAE and KSA
Hermès added a scent of sophistication with their latest off-screen sampling, distributing approximately 10,000 samples of Hermès Barénia perfume to premium moviegoers at Reel Cinemas in Dubai Mall and VOX Cinemas in Riyadh Park during the first two weekends of the Joker 2 release.
Here’s a glimpse of the sampling events:
On-Screen Campaign: By Package – FTM
The campaign is further complemented by a 45-second on-screen advertisement currently airing at select VOX, Cinemacity, and Reel locations across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and KSA, following the film Joker: Folie à Deux.
Leveraging on-screen advertising alongside creative off-screen activations through customized cinema campaigns is an effective way to boost your brand’s visibility. For more information on crafting engaging cinema activations that resonate with moviegoers, contact our team at Motivate Val Morgan
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than by watching a chilling horror movie? This Halloween, there’s an exciting mix of new horror releases that cater to every kind of scare-seeker. Whether you love supernatural frights, slasher classics, or a bit of horror comedy, there’s something for everyone.
We’ve curated a list of horror films to make your countdown to Halloween 2024 a spooky freight fest. From upcoming movie releases to your all-time favorites, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights and prepare for a Halloween movie marathon that delivers all the thrills and chills you crave!
The Radleys
Release Date: 10th October 2024
Cast: Damian Lewis, Sophia Di Martino, Kelly Macdonald
Terrifier 3
Release Date: 10th October 2024
Cast: Lauren LaVera, David Howard Thornton, Jason Patric
Smile 2
Release Date: 17th October 2024
Cast: Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner
**Dates are subject to change
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Synopsis: Hypnotist Dr. Caligari uses a somnambulist, Cesare, to commit murders.
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922)
Synopsis: Vampire Count Orlok expresses interest in a new residence and real estate agent Hutter’s wife.
The Exorcist (1973)
Synopsis: When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
Jaws (1975)
Synopsis: When a massive killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Long Island, it’s up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.
Bettlejuice (1988)
Synopsis: The spirits of a deceased couple are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home, and hire a malicious spirit to drive them out.
Scream (1996)
Synopsis: A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.
Hannibal (2001)
Synopsis: Living in exile, Dr. Hannibal Lecter tries to reconnect with now disgraced F.B.I. Agent Clarice Starling, and finds himself a target of revenge from a powerful victim.
Saw (2004)
Synopsis: Two men awaken to find themselves on the opposite sides of a dead body, each with specific instructions to kill the other or face consequences.
Terrifier (2011)
Synopsis: After witnessing a brutal murder on Halloween night, a young woman becomes the next target of a maniacal entity.
It (2017)
Synopsis: In the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry, their small Maine town.
M3GAN (2022)
Synopsis: A robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like robot doll that begins to take on a life of its own.
Talk to Me (2022)
Synopsis: When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill, until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.
Smile (2022)
Synopsis: After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, a psychiatrist becomes increasingly convinced she is being threatened by an uncanny entity.
Late night with the devil (2023)
Synopsis: A live television broadcast in 1977 goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms.
Longlegs (2024)
Synopsis: In pursuit of a serial killer, an FBI agent uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree.
Alien Romulus (2024)
Synopsis: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonists come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
Tarot (2024)
Synopsis: When a group of friends recklessly violates the sacred rule of Tarot readings, they unknowingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards.
Oddity (2024)
Synopsis: A psychic medium attempts to uncover the truth behind her sister’s murder at the site of the crime.
Source: IMDB, YouTube
In a dazzling display of cinematic fervor, Saudi Arabia’s box office has witnessed an unprecedented surge as September draws to a close. The confluence of World Cinema Day (September 20-23) and Saudi National Day (September 23) has catapulted movie admissions to stratospheric heights, painting a vivid picture of the Kingdom’s burgeoning love affair with the silver screen.
The Saudi Film Commission reports a remarkable trajectory in Saudi Arabia’s cinema landscape. The numbers tell a compelling story: a 69.96% increase in admissions from week two to week three and a 15.96% average week-on-week increase, based on admissions data for the first four weeks of September.
As the largest cinema advertising representative in the Kingdom, Motivate Val Morgan reports that admission figures for their circuit stood at 330,000 for the week of September 19-25 alone (a 107% growth from the previous week), contributing to a monthly total of over 798,000 admissions based on MVM’s CineMeasure dashboard data from September 1 to September 25.
Analyzing the drivers behind these impressive figures reveals a landscape dominated by diverse and enduring hits. The true marvel lies in the sustained success of the Arabic comedy X Merati. Now in its tenth week, the film attracted 106,800 admissions in September alone, bringing its total to an awe-inspiring 399,600 admissions and generating a monumental SAR 18.4 million at the box office. This enduring draw highlights a growing trend in Saudi cinema: the rise of “leggy” films that continue to captivate audiences well beyond the traditional opening weekend surge.
The Hollywood counterparts to these enduring hits are equally impressive. The Marvel blockbuster Deadpool and Wolverine demonstrated similar staying power, amassing 487,300 total admissions and earning SAR 26 million. In the same vein, the female-driven drama It Ends With Us struck a chord with women audiences, clocking in 273,600 admissions and generating SAR 14.1 million at the KSA box office, further exemplifying the market’s appetite for diverse, long-running films.
The diversity of the Saudi box office was further showcased with the strong debut of the Tamil film The Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T), which secured an impressive 29,400 admissions, and Transformers One, which brought in 21,900 during its opening week. Meanwhile, the psychological thriller Speak No Evil, starring James McAvoy, maintained steady momentum with 87,600 admissions over three weeks, reflecting the eclectic tastes of Saudi moviegoers.
Saudi year-over-year comparisons reveal a rapidly expanding market, with admission numbers that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. This growth, paired with the evolving sophistication of Saudi audiences, presents a market primed for both investment and innovation. In other words, these numbers not only reflect the growing appetite for cinematic experiences but also underscore the unparalleled opportunity for brands to engage with a captive and enthusiastic audience.
As we look to the future, with major titles such as Joker: Folie à Deux, Venom, Smile 2, Gladiator 2, and more Arabic and Indian movies set to release in the months ahead, the data suggests we’re merely at the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s cinematic renaissance. The combination of strategic initiatives like World Cinema Day, the emotional pull of national celebrations, and a diversifying slate of film offerings has created a perfect storm for sustained growth.
For industry stakeholders, from studio executives to brand marketers, the message is clear: the Saudi cinema landscape is not just a market to watch, but a phenomenon to be part of.
Click here to check out the full list of movies and submit your inquiries.
Sources: MVM CineMeasure, The Saudi Film Commission
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‘It Ends With Us’ Draws Female Audiences to Cinemas
Two years since its launch, Motivate Val Morgan’s cinema advertising platforms, CinePlan and CineMeasure, have set a new industry benchmark by providing advertisers with an unmatched ability to plan, execute, and evaluate their campaigns.
CinePlan offers flexibility by allowing advertisers to choose ‘predefined packages’ or customize their reach through the ‘by admission’ route, expanding the scope of cinema advertising. Complementing this, CineMeasure delivers detailed post-campaign analysis, seamlessly integrating with CinePlan to provide admission data.
These platforms, with their intuitive design and robust features, have empowered over 350 advertisers and agency planners to manage their cinema campaigns effortlessly by ensuring transparency, both in audience measurement and accountability, across a wide cinema network.
Reflecting on the platform’s success, Avinash Udeshi, COO of Motivate Val Morgan, said, “Cinema advertising has always had the power to create deep audience connections, but our vision was to take it a step further by introducing a data-driven, audience-centric platform that provides the granular data and measurement tools advertisers are accustomed to in digital and other media channels.
With CinePlan and CineMeasure, we’ve built a proprietary system that helps brands craft customized media plans tailored to their unique campaign needs. By combining detailed audience data with targeted advertising options, we’re enabling brands to connect with their audiences more effectively than ever before. The precision, transparency, and insights that these tools provide have transformed cinema into a strategic powerhouse in our clients’ media mix, ensuring that every campaign delivers measurable impact.”
Early success stories highlight this effectiveness. Carrefour’s ‘Friday Sale’ campaign hit its target audience within three weeks, showcasing the platform’s cost efficiency. Similarly, Galaxy Chocolates used the ‘by admission’ strategy, blending on-screen ads with in-cinema sampling to enhance brand presence during Eid, all while staying within budget.
Explore our case studies to discover how CinePlan and CineMeasure have enabled leading brands to achieve their strategic objectives:
CinePlan & CineMeasure – Case Study – Galaxy
CinePlan & CineMeasure – Case Study – Carrefour
CinePlan & CineMeasure – Case Study – Dallah Healthcare Company
CinePlan & CineMeasure – Case Study – One World International School
Building on its latest ‘by city’ audience targeting capabilities, the game-changing bilingual platform plans to keep rolling out new features, including advanced analytics, improved reporting, and deeper audience insights. These enhancements aim to meet advertisers’ growing need for data-driven strategies, ensuring CinePlan and CineMeasure stay ahead in the evolving world of cinema advertising.
As Motivate Val Morgan continues to expand its cinema network and innovate its offerings, CinePlan and CineMeasure stand as a testament to the company’s dedication to providing advertisers with cutting-edge tools to achieve their campaign objectives. The platform not only represents a significant milestone in cinema advertising but also underscores Motivate Val Morgan’s role as a trailblazer in the industry, setting a new benchmark for what’s possible in this medium.
Start your cinema advertising journey here: https://motivatevalmorgan.com/planning-measurement/
Eva Cosmetics, in partnership with BellCom Media Platforms and Motivate Val Morgan, recently launched an offscreen activation in Egypt, bringing their products directly to cinema audiences.
The campaign took place over two weekends in September, targeted moviegoers at prominent locations: City Center Almaza (September 7-8) and Mall of Egypt (September 14-15).
Specially dressed ushers, embodying Eva Cosmetics’ diverse product lines, distributed sample packages in the bustling concourses between theater halls.
A total of 1,500 sample packages were handed out at each location with cinema attendee receiving an exclusive package containing a selection of Eva Cosmetics products, including:
This unique cinema activation not only allowed Eva Cosmetics to showcase their diverse range but also created a memorable experience for moviegoers, blending entertainment with beauty discovery.
Interested in reaching your target audience through similar activations? Contact our team at Motivate Val Morgan to discover how we can connect your brand with moviegoers.
Twenty-four years after the Oscar-winning original, ‘Gladiator II’ is set to make its long-awaited debut this November. Paul Mescal stars as a grown-up Lucius, nephew of the fallen Emperor Commodus. The sequel continues the saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance in Ancient Rome, introducing a host of new characters and adding fresh layers to the story.
The film features a blend of familiar faces and new talent. Paul Mescal (known for the TV series ‘Normal People’) takes on the central role of Lucius along with other new joiners Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal. Returning cast members include Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi.
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Yes! Ridley Scott returns to direct ‘Gladiator II’, produced by Scott Free. The film reunites several key members of the original production team, including cinematographer John Mathieson, production designer Arthur Max, and costume designer Janty Yates. Scott himself has called the film “one of the best things I’ve ever made.”
‘Gladiator II’ is poised to become one of 2024’s biggest blockbusters, with expectations high for it to break up to ten box office records, according to Screen Rant. The budget has increased from US$165 million to US$310 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever made.
Scott hints at an epic opening sequence, potentially his grandest action scene yet.
The first official trailer for ‘Gladiator II’ has made a massive impact, garnering 128 million views across social media platforms in just 24 hours. This more than doubles the 75 million views achieved by the “Top Gun: Maverick” trailer, highlighting the immense excitement surrounding the sequel.
The original ‘Gladiator’ set a high bar, earning 12 Academy Award nominations and winning five, including Best Picture. It grossed US$503.1 million against a US$103 million budget. ‘Gladiator II’ is expected to continue this legacy, making a significant impact at the box office and potentially breaking multiple records.
This highly anticipated blockbuster provides a valuable platform for brands to connect with both long-time fans and new movie enthusiasts who appreciate epic storytelling and high-quality cinema. The film is expected to resonate particularly well with affluent male audiences.
Contact us to explore advertising opportunities alongside this monumental release.
Prepare for battle— in cinemas November 14, 2024.
Source: Valmorgan, Entertainment Weekly, Screen Rant, Deadline
Cinema advertising has long reigned as a powerful medium for enhancing key brand metrics, due to its ability to reach a deeply engaged audience in an immersive setting. A growing body of research consistently demonstrates its effectiveness in increasing ad awareness, boosting brand perception, and driving consumer action. Recently, two significant studies have reaffirmed the medium’s strength, highlighting its exceptional potential to elevate brand campaigns.
The first study, conducted by Differentology and featured in DCM UK’s Cinema 101, offers compelling evidence of cinema advertising’s impact. The research shows that brands advertised in cinema experienced substantial improvements in key metrics:
The second study, by DVJ Insights in collaboration with Jean Mineur Mediavision, a Dutch cinema advertising operator, shows why movie-goers perceive cinema ads positively. The study further breaks down key metrics addressed in the first study and proves that cinema ads are the best medium for impacting key brand metrics compared to TV, social media, and other mediums:
Brand Recall: Cinema ads foster enjoyment, distinctiveness, and positive associations, leading to superior brand recall.
Brand Impact: Cinema ads achieve top-of-mind recall, driving both unaided and aided brand recall, and enhancing message retention.
Effect on Action: Cinema ads significantly boost purchase intent and encourage consumers to share positive brand experiences.
The combined insights from these studies unequivocally demonstrate that cinema creates a powerful platform for enhancing brand recall, fostering positive brand perception, and stimulating purchase intent.
To learn more about how cinema advertising can enhance key brand metrics and maximize ROI, please reach out to a member of our sales team.
Note: The findings discussed in this article are part of larger, more comprehensive studies conducted and published by the credited agencies. For the full analysis, target audiences, and results of these studies, please visit: Study one Study two
Source: DCM, DVJ insights
Joaquin Phoenix returns to his iconic role as the Joker in Joker: Folie à Deux. The film’s title, French for “madness of two,” describes a shared delusional disorder. This psychological phenomenon serves as the chilling backdrop as we delve deeply into the relationship between the Joker and Harley Quinn, who together will wreak havoc in Gotham City.
Building upon the groundbreaking success of its predecessor, this movie promises to redefine cinematic madness. This DC Comics-inspired masterpiece will plunge audiences into a world of twisted love, psychological terror, and musical mayhem.
Here’s what you need to know about Joker: Folie à Deux.
Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn, bringing a fresh and electrifying energy to the iconic character. In a reimagined origin story, Harley Quinn is portrayed not as the traditional psychiatrist-turned-villain but as a fellow patient at Arkham State Hospital. This unique approach promises a fresh perspective on the iconic character, delving deeper into her troubled mind and the twisted dynamics of her relationship with the Joker.
Other returning cast members include Zazie Beetz, who reprises her role as Sophie Dumond, Arthur’s neighbor. The sequel also features new additions like Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Jacob Lofland in undisclosed roles, adding to the intrigue surrounding the film’s plot.
Todd Phillips, the visionary director behind the original film, is back to helm this highly anticipated sequel. His signature blend of character-driven narratives and realism promises to elevate Joker: Folie à Deux to new heights of cinematography.
The first trailer for Joker: Folie à Deux was released on July 23, 2024, quickly amassing 24 million views within 24 hours. The trailer offers a glimpse into the film’s dark and captivating world, showcasing the intense chemistry between Phoenix and Gaga. Fans and critics alike have praised the trailer for its haunting visuals and atmospheric score, heightening anticipation for the movie’s release.
The original Joker film, released in 2019, was a monumental success. It grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. The film received 11 Academy Award nominations, winning two: Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix and Best Original Score for Hildur Guðnadóttir. Its success set a high bar for the sequel, which fans hope will capture the same magic.
Joker: Folie à Deux is set to be released on October 3, 2024. The film’s release date marks exactly five years since the original film’s debut, building on the momentum and anticipation generated by the first installment.
As anticipation builds for Joker: Folie à Deux, one of the year’s most highly awaited cinematic events, don’t miss the chance to seize a premier advertising opportunity. Contact us to advertise alongside this most anticipated upcoming blockbuster.
Sources: Val Morgan, Entertainment weekly, The Hollywood Reporter, Screen Rant.
