Wicked, the beloved Broadway musical that’s won the hearts of millions, is finally coming to the big screen! With its spellbinding story, unforgettable characters, iconic music, and a new generation of cast, this musical has been a cultural phenomenon for years. Now, as it makes its way to theaters, this film adaptation is set to bring all the excitement and magic of the stage into cinemas worldwide.
The film brings back the original Broadway team, led by producer Marc Platt, to create something memorable for a new generation. Wicked promises to be a must-watch, reinventing this cherished story in a way we’ve never seen before.
Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the musical. Imagine stepping into Oz like you’ve never seen it before, where the story of the Wicked Witch of the West comes alive in a whole new way. Wicked takes us back to Oz, but this time, we see the story from an entirely new perspective. It’s the untold tale of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who would one day become the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with the glamorous and popular Glinda. The two first meet as polar-opposite roommates at Shiz University, where they clash, connect, and ultimately forge a powerful bond. But as they grow, they’re pulled in different directions—Elphaba’s bold defiance of the Wizard’s corrupt rule sets her on a path to becoming the outcast, while Glinda embraces the spotlight. Along the way, their friendship faces challenges, especially when they both fall for the dashing Fiyero.
Director Jon M. Chu, the creative mind behind Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, is bringing his vision and energy to Wicked in a way that’s generating serious excitement. Known for his vibrant storytelling and love for bold, cinematic moments, Chu has been passionate about capturing the heart of this beloved musical while adding something new for the big screen. From the beginning, he’s made it clear how much this project means to him, sharing with fans his goal of honoring the original while offering a fresh perspective on Oz and a new generation of Wicked cast.
Meet the Characters:
Get ready to meet the unforgettable characters, brought to life by the powerhouse Wicked cast!
Cynthia Erivo, with her raw emotional depth and stunning voice, steps into the role of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch who dares to be different.
Ariana Grande lights up the screen as the bubbly and ambitious Glinda, perfectly her journey from a life of popularity to discovering something deeper.
Jonathan Bailey adds his own charm and complexity to Fiyero, the mysterious heartthrob who captures both witches’ attention.
Michelle Yeoh brings elegance and an air of mystery to Madame Morrible.
Jeff Goldblum’s unmistakable charisma breathes new life into the enigmatic Wizard.
The Wicked musical is being adapted into a two-part film, with each part capturing a key chapter in the journey of Elphaba and Glinda. This part of the story leads up to one of the most powerful moments from the Broadway show: Defying Gravity. This is the big moment when she accepts that she can only count on herself, even if doing so means she must become the Wicked Witch of the West.
Special #Wicked Movie Announcement… ✌🏼🎬🧹🌸💚sent from my OzPhone: pic.twitter.com/4qPpvVD4rR
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) April 26, 2022
Wicked could be the next movie to soar into the billion-dollar club. As a highly anticipated prequel to The Wizard of Oz, this adaptation has generated immense excitement, blending the beloved story first crafted by L. Frank Baum and later reimagined in Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel.
On October 10, Fandango announced that the Wizard of Oz prequel hit major milestones in ticket pre-sales on its first day. With record-breaking numbers, Wicked has already claimed the title of best first-day PG-rated presales of the year, besting Pixar’s Inside Out 2, and now ranks as the third-best first-day preseller of all time for a PG-rated film. It also achieved the second-best first-day presales of the year overall, just behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Deadpool & Wolverine. Both Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine grossed over $1 billion and are the only 2024 movies to have done so till date. If this early hype is any indication, Wicked could become 2024’s next billion-dollar box-office sensation.
Great news witches! ✨ #WickedMovie is already hitting Fandango milestones:
-Second Best First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of 2024
-Best PG Rated First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of 2024
-No. 3 Best PG Rated First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of All Time pic.twitter.com/T0CjiR638l— Fandango (@Fandango) October 10, 2024
So far, we’ve been treated to two magical trailers for Wicked, each one leaving us on the edge of our seats. Along with these, sneak peeks of the characters and sets offer a glimpse of the stunning visuals, powerful performances, and the magic we’ve been eagerly awaiting. To top it off, a special behind-the-scenes featurette video of the cast has been released on official YouTube channel of Wicked Movie, giving fans an exciting look at the stars who are bringing this iconic story to life. With each new reveal, the anticipation only grows as we count down to the movie’s release!
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Are people born Wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them? Discover the answer on November 21, 2024. The adventure of Oz awaits—be ready to experience the untold story when it hits theaters!
Wicked is one of the year’s most highly anticipated films, offering brands a unique opportunity to engage a captivated audience. Whether you’re targeting moviegoers, musical fans, or lovers of all things Oz, Wicked offers unmatched potential to reach both new and loyal fans alike.
With the long weekend and National Day holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to advertise alongside this movie. Connect with a diverse, family-oriented audience and make your brand a part of this unforgettable journey. Reach out today to explore advertising opportunities and elevate your brand this season!
Source: Wicked Official Website, IMDB, Entertainment Weekly, Collider, Variety, ScreenRant and Deadline
As the official representative of Cannes Lions in the UAE, Motivate Val Morgan brings you the key updates for the 2025 Awards. From expanded Glass Lions celebrating intersectionality to the newly renamed Social & Creator Lions, see how the world’s premier festival of creativity continues to evolve and innovate.
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has launched its 72nd edition, taking place on 16–20 June 2025 in Cannes, France. The Festival has announced that it will double funding to provide €2M worth of complimentary passes to underrepresented talent and underserved communities through its Equity, Representation and Accessibility (ERA) Pass, returning for a second year.
Frank Starling, Chief DEI Officer, LIONS, said the increased investment was “crucial to continue to drive progress for both Cannes Lions and the industry“. Starling added: ” The ERA pass plays an important role in fostering a global representation of talent within the creative communications industry at Cannes Lions, and to date our funded opportunities have reached creatives in 46 countries globally. With the Festival being the destination for everyone in the business of creativity, we recognise the importance of creating equitable access to it, and this is why we’re prioritising increased representation from the Global South to support a greater range of voices and perspectives from the region at the Festival.”
Glass: The Lion for Change—celebrating 10 years since its introduction—champions work that uses creativity to drive a shift towards more positive, progressive and gender-aware communication. Now, the category announces its significant expansion. Marian Brannelly, Global Director of Awards, LIONS, commenting on the Glass Lions’ evolution said: “Gender representation remains essential, and following consultation and research there is now a need to evolve the Lion to recognise the importance of intersectionality, from disability and race to sexuality and social inequity. This Lion is an Award for change. Expanding the scope allows us to celebrate ideas that promote more equitable representation for a broader range of communities and also reflect the importance of embedding authentic inclusivity throughout the creative process.”
The Social & Influencer Lions have been renamed the Social & Creator Lions to recognise creators’ increasingly important role in the landscape. Research Nester recently estimated that the creator economy market size is estimated to surpass $600bn by the end of 2036. New categories added to the Social & Creator Lions focus on creators and the innovative work they are specifically producing for brands. Aligning with this, LIONS Creators – the bespoke learning experience for the creator economy – will return to the Festival for a second year giving creators a place to come together to learn how to build their business in a sustainable and effective way.
Other changes to the Lions include the addition of a sub-category to celebrate long-term brand platforms. The sub-category will sit across multiple Lions and recognise brand platforms that show long-term effectiveness in building brand equity, fostering loyalty and delivering measurable business results through continuous, creative communication efforts.
Elsewhere at the Festival, a new initiative – Country Pavilions – launches to drive greater global representation of countries at Cannes Lions. Thea Skelton, VP Festivals, LIONS, said: “We know that creativity is an overpowered economic growth lever. The global creative economy is estimated at $985bn and could represent 10 percent of global GDP before 2030, according to the think tank G20 Insights. With this pace and scale we believe that countries and governments have an opportunity to supercharge their creative economy by showcasing their capabilities at Cannes Lions in front of some of the most influential minds in the industry.” This global village will provide countries with the opportunity to showcase local creativity on the global stage, promote creative economies and serve as a hub for learning sessions, as well as benefit from cross-country networking. A dedicated content stage will accompany the pavilions and showcase truly global content and perspectives.
Submit your proposals for the Cannes Lions Call for Content now through 31 December 2025. Anyone from anywhere can apply to speak on stage through our dedicated content portal. Visit here for more information.
Applications for the ERA pass are open now and close on 5 December 2025. More details can be found here.
Information on the Creator Pass is available here.
Passes for Cannes Lions 2025 are now available. Further details on the breadth of options available, including funded opportunities, can be found here.
Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan are the official representatives of Cannes Lions in the UAE.
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
Cinema advertising capitalizes on positive moods to boost brand engagement and create memorable moments for consumers.
In today’s fast-paced ad landscape, cutting through the noise isn’t just about creative execution—it’s about reaching people when they’re most open to listening. According to Hearst’s ‘Power of Positivity – 2023’ study, consumers are far more receptive to brand messaging when they are in a positive state of mind, leading to increased favorability and consideration.
When people are in a good mood, they’re naturally more open to suggestions, which makes them more likely to recall ads and think highly of the products they see advertised. But it doesn’t stop there—people who feel positive aren’t just passive observers; they’re more inclined to talk about the ads they’ve seen, dig deeper into the product, and even make that all-important purchase. So, the question is: where can brands make the most of these positive moments?
Cinema audiences hold the answer, as environments like cinema, where the vibes are overwhelmingly positive, give brands the chance to create lasting impressions that go far beyond the moment. What makes cinema so uniquely powerful is its ability to create an immersive experience that not only captures attention but also elevates mood. Unlike other media, cinema engages audiences in a shared moment, creating a feeling of connection and community that’s hard to replicate.
Audiences see the ‘ads and trailers’ as part of the event experience and unlike other channels that are viewed alone, cinema naturally creates an environment that can generate a moment of talkability for brands about their ads – DCM Maximise with Cinema, 2024.
Two recent studies by DCM in 2023 and 2024 highlight the crucial role of a positive mindset in shaping consumer behavior. The first finding reveals that around 60% of moviegoers often say they feel a sense of connection when they’re at the movies. The second finding suggests that in contrast to the mixed emotions often experienced on social media, an impressive 78% of cinemagoers say they’re in a great mood when watching a film. This positive state of mind makes them more receptive to the ads they see, turning what could be just another brand message into a memorable moment.
Let’s not forget the beauty of cinema’s focus. Cinema is a rare space where people are truly present. It’s where they put down their phones and lean into the moment, absorbing both the film and the pre-show ads in full. This creates a unique opportunity for brands to craft messages that resonate deeply. The key for brands is to match the tone of the room by using inspiring stories, uplifting visuals, and creating a sense of shared experience that fits the mood of the movie theatre. Cinema isn’t just a screen; it’s a stage that brands can use to generate an immersive experience rather than simply deliver a message.
For advertisers, cinema isn’t merely a venue; it’s a unique opportunity to produce something memorable. It’s a place where positivity can be transformed into brand love, turning ads into moments that matter. Leveraging the uplifting energy of the cinema experience allows brands to make their messages stick in a way that few other mediums can match. As the conversation around the long-term effects of positive advertising continues to grow, one thing is clear: the mood-boosting magic of cinema and its role in fostering positivity is a force to be reckoned with, driving a new era of brand engagement.
Credits: Hearst, DCM, Campaign UK, VAB
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
Related Articles:
Saudi Box Office Hits 8.5M Ticket Sales as Global Box Office Surges to US$21B in 2024
‘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/
Saudi Arabia’s film industry is experiencing significant growth, marking a new era in the Kingdom’s entertainment sector. According to Prince Badr Bin Abdullah, the Minister of Culture, Saudi box office sales reached an impressive 8.5 million tickets in 2024, with revenues exceeding US$112.4 million in the first half of the year alone. This surge in popularity is particularly noteworthy as Saudi movies have risen to prominence, with two of the top three titles in 2024 being local productions.
سوق صناعة السينما مزدهرة، حيث وصلت مبيعات شباك التذاكر السعودي إلى 8.5 مليون تذكرة بإيرادات تجاوزت 421.8 مليون ريال خلال النصف الأول من العام الحالي، وفيلمان سعوديان ضمن أعلى 3 أفلام مبيعاً. #رؤية_السعودية_2030
Saudi box office sales have reached 8.5 million tickets with… https://t.co/joTkWZOAm4
— بدر بن عبدالله بن فرحان آل سعود (@BadrFAlSaud) September 10, 2024
The success of Saudi cinema is part of a broader global trend of box office recovery. August marked a notable surge in the global box office, driven primarily by two major releases featuring real-life couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively: Deadpool & Wolverine and It Ends With Us. The global box office grossed US$3 billion in August, pushing the year-to-date total to approximately US$21.1 billion. This narrowed the gap to the three-year average to -21%, an improvement from the -28% deficit reported at the end of May, despite the ongoing disruptions from the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, according to Gower Street’s latest Global Box Office Tracker (GBOT).
For the third month in a row, the global box office exceeded projections. The combined international (excluding China) and domestic markets generated US$2.46 billion in August, making it the second-highest month since the previous August. Although slightly below July’s $2.84 billion (-13%), this figure was still ahead of June’s US$2.4 billion (+2%).
The North American market (Domestic) stood out, surpassing the box office average for the same months in 2017-2019 by 15%. This is the highest level since the beginning of the decade and marks only the third instance where the domestic market has reached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels in any month.
The global theatrical industry enjoyed three consecutive months of increased revenue, bolstered by a more robust calendar of blockbuster releases. This resurgence brought box office performance closer to last year’s summer heights, including the addition of two films, Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine, to the top 21 all-time global box office list. Remarkably, seven of the top 21 highest-grossing films globally have been released since December 2021.
While the final four months of the past two years saw a significant drop in releases, this year, globally, promises a fuller schedule with a wider array of attractive titles such as Joker: Folie à Deux, Gladiator II, Mufasa: The Lion King, Kraven the Hunter, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, likely to lift the box office further.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its burgeoning film industry and global cinema recovers from recent challenges, the outlook for the box office remains positive. The diversity of offerings, from local Saudi productions to international blockbusters, is appealing to audiences both in the Kingdom and worldwide, setting the stage for continued growth in the cinema sector.
Source: GowerStreet, X
