The 10th installment of CinemaCon, the largest annual gathering of the motion picture industry, took place between 23 – 26 August 2021 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
CinemaCon is a global event that attracts delegates from more than 80 countries across the cinema industry, including studios, distributors, exhibitors and content creators.
Whilst the scale of the event was nowhere close to previous editions, mainly due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions, the show did go on, with studios setting the stage for their upcoming movies and giving the industry hope, confidence and a clear message that cinema is here to stay.
Here’s a roundup of studio announcements at CinemaCon 2021:
This year’s event enumerated blockbusters such as F9, Godzilla vs. Kong, A Quiet Place Part II and Cruella as the major drivers behind the extraordinary resurgence of the cinema industry, due to their encouraging box office figures. However, the highlight of the show included the preview of upcoming tentpoles by major studios, while it was announced that most of the preview films will be exclusive theatre releases.
This edition of CinemaCon also featured some discussions on the industry’s challenges coming out of the pandemic. Patty Jenkins, director of ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, emphasized that day-and-date” release is a “heartbreaking experience”. “I’m not a fan of day-and-date, and I hope to avoid it forever,” stated the filmmaker, expressing her strong preference of maintaining an exclusive theatrical window for all her upcoming films. “I don’t understand why we’re talking about throwing (the big-screen experience) away for 700 different streaming services that there’s no room for in the marketplace. It’s crazy to me,” said Jenkins. “One studio should plant a flag and make a huge move just for the theatrical experience, and the filmmakers will go there as a result”
The Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures also slammed day-and-date releases, pointing to the success of Free Guy at box office, and stated that such ‘terrific’ movies are not meant to be watched at home.
The next edition of CinemaCon is scheduled to be held between 25 – 28 April 2022.
Sources: CinemaCon and Box Office Pro
Michelin star chef Akira Back partners with VOX Cinemas for a special menu for its luxury cinema concept –THEATRE
VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East and Africa, has announced a partnership with Akira Back, world-renowned Michelin star chef. The highly-anticipated culinary collaboration, which launches in the United Arab Emirates in September, will see the global restauranteur curate a special menu for THEATRE, VOX Cinemas’ luxury cinema concept, so moviegoers can enjoy an unparalleled dining experience.
Guests at THEATRE can expect a modern Japanese menu which features a dynamic combination of Akira Back’s signature dishes as well as culinary creations exclusive to VOX Cinemas. Famed for his sense of adventure and creativity, Akira Back has enjoyed an illustrious career bringing his culinary expertise and artistry across the globe, with a portfolio of critically acclaimed restaurants and lounges in destinations like Beverly Hills, San Diego, Seychelles North Island, Toronto, Singapore, Seoul, Dubai and more.
VOX Cinemas’ THEATRE combines film with fine food and provides guests with the option of dining in an exclusive private lounge area or having their food delivered straight to their seat through the in-theatre waiter service. Redefining the luxury cinema experience, THEATRE boasts reclining leather seats, plush blankets and pillows and cutting-edge audiovisual technology in a stylish and intimate setting.
Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas said, “Cinemagoers in the region are becoming increasingly discerning and we are extremely excited about collaborating with Chef Akira Back to introduce a new era in fine dining and film in response to rising expectations. At VOX Cinemas, we offer more than just movies and, are continuously diversifying our offering so guests can enjoy an all-encompassing cinematic experience. We believe that F&B plays a major part in enhancing the moviegoing experience and, with Chef Akira Back at the helm, THEATRE is sure to set a new benchmark in cinema dining.”
Chef Akira Back added, “THEATRE has revolutionised the luxury cinema experience and, I’m extremely proud to join forces with VOX Cinemas given our shared commitment to innovation. Together we believe that F&B is a complementary component of going to the movies and we have designed a menu that is sure to appeal to the most discerning guests and movie lovers.”
The menu by Akira Back will be available at VOX Cinemas across the United Arab Emirates in September before being rolled-out across Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait later in the year. The official launch dates will be announced closer to the time.
Source: VOX Cinemas (Press Release)
Muvi Cinemas City Walk Taif is the 12th location launched by the cinema exhibitor in the Kingdom.
Muvi Cinemas opened its twelfth location at City Walk in Taif on 19 August 2021. The cinema features 10 standard screens with a total of 791 seats.
Similar to other locations operated by the exhibitor, Muvi Cinemas City Walk Taif was designed by UK’s Chapman and Taylor, with an aim to create a dynamic, modern and innovative cinematic experience.
Spanning 4,196-meter square, the designs for the cutting-edge cinema have a theme of urban downtown, with the intention of creating a dynamic, modern, and innovative cinema experience. Digital LED screens and dramatic lighting installations complement the city warehouse feel, providing a strong visual identity for the developments.
City Walk Taif is located in the Mecca Province of southwest Saudi Arabia, and provides one of the best family entertainment experiences in the city, with our great selection of shops, incredible dining options, and fun activities for the whole family.
Muvi Cinemas presently operates 119 screen across 12 locations in 8 cities of Saudi Arabia, and will soon be opening an 8-screen cinema at Salaam Mall in Riyadh.
As the official cinema advertising partner of Muvi Cinemas, Motivate Val Morgan congratulates the cinema exhibitor on its opening of City Walk Taif, and warmly welcomes this location to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact a member of our sales team for cinema advertising opportunities on the screens of Muvi Cinemas –City Walk Taif.
Sources: Chapman and Taylor
As kids and teenagers gear up to head back to school, now’s the time to advertise your brand on the BIG screen!
It’s that time of the year again… the time to stock up on stationery essentials, coolest bags and the most trending fashion wear… all in the name of heading back to school!
Here’s a list of back to school ads that are currently playing in cinema, and some that previously dominated the big screens during this season:
Roco
Ad Duration: 20 sec.
Campaign Duration: 19 August 2021 – 8 September 2021
Country: Saudi Arabia
Cinema Locations: Multiple VOX, Muvi, AMC and Cinépolis cinema locations.
Pottery Barn Kids
Ad Duration: 30 sec.
Campaign Duration: 5 August 2021 – 11 August 2021
Country: Saudi Arabia
Cinema Locations: VOX Cinemas – Red Sea Mall
Please note: The same ad screened in UAE as well between 5 August 2021 and 18 August 2021.
Centrepoint
Cinema’s unique ability to deliver impact and engagement to a captive audience of parents and children makes it one of the perfect platforms to roll out a ‘Back to School’ campaign.
Got a back to school campaign you would like to roll out on the mother of all screens?
Contact us for more information on cinema advertising opportunities.
VOX Cinemas The Esplanade is integrated with Yalla! Bowling and offers a variety of high-end cinematic experiences including GOLD, MAX, and KIDS.
VOX Cinemas celebrated the opening of its latest integrated cinema experience with the launch of VOX Cinemas The Esplanade in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 19 August 2021. The opening marks the third fully launched project between VOX Cinemas and Unified Real Estate Development Company as part of a SAR 500 million multi-project investment commitment to develop seven integrated leisure, entertainment, and cinemas experiences across the Kingdom.
The 8-screen multiplex with 868 seats is integrated with Yalla! Bowling, a selection of games including billiard tables and air hockey as well as F&B to complement the cinematic experience. The new cinema endorses signature VOX concepts namely MAX, KIDS and GOLD.
Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment, Cinemas and Lifestyle added, “Our expansion in Saudi Arabia continues, and we’re excited to bring more entertainment experiences to communities in Saudi Arabia with the opening of VOX Cinemas The Esplanade. This latest offering is the perfect location to reach a wider audience of movie lovers and anyone else seeking a memorable experience. We are proud to collaborate with Unified Real Estate Development Company once again as together we make a deeper contribution to the Kingdom’s Quality of Life program and Vision 2030. We are committed to continuously investing in our expansion in the Kingdom, especially with the growing demand for world-class, immersive cinematic experiences. We look forward to welcoming people across the community and creating even more great moments with our guests.”
Prince Bandar bin Khalid F. Al Saud, President of Unified Real Estate Development Company added: “Riyadh continues to grow and evolve as a compelling entertainment option in the region, and we are pleased to be a part of this development alongside Majid Al Futtaim. The VOX Cinemas location at The Esplanade promises a rich variety of entertainment experiences to complement the on-screen action, making it an ideal fit for the discerning visitors of The Esplanade.”
In April, VOX Cinemas opened the first ever multiplex in Hail in collaboration with Unified Real Estate Development Company, the largest and fastest-growing outdoor shopping center developer in Saudi Arabia, and together they also have a location at Town Square in Jeddah.
VOX Cinemas presently operates 149 screens across 14 locations in 5 cities of Saudi Arabia.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates VOX Cinemas on the launch of The Esplanade, and warmly welcomes this new location to our cinema circuit in Saudi Arabia.
Contact us to advertise your brand on the screens of VOX Cinemas – The Esplanade.
Source: VOX Cinemas (Press Release)
Cinépolis Cinemas Gulf, has opened Cinépolis luxury – the first luxury cinema offering by the exhibitor in the Gulf region in Muscat, Oman.
Cinépolis cinema – the globally-renowned and third largest cinema exhibitor in the world, has redefined luxury throughout the Sultanate by introducing four innovative VIP auditoriums with their own dedicated entrance. Movie-goers will have the opportunity to sit back and relax in the luxurious lobby prior to the movie.
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas offers guests the option of watching their favourite movies from their recliner leather seats with adjustable tables. Guests who wish to opt for a higher level of comfort and luxury have the option to select lounger seats, which are more spacious and offer privacy and exclusivity to their valued customers. Cinépolis aims to make the movie-going experience as unique as possible in a multitude of different ways. The brand has also taken attention to detail to the next level by providing dedicated USB ports for customers who wish to charge their mobile devices, while enjoying the latest blockbusters.
The intricate menu selection at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas boasts a wide array of items ranging from delectable cheesecakes, juicy burgers to the legendary Cinépolis popcorn. Guests will have the opportunity to select their movie snacks directly from the dedicated waiters in the exclusive lobby or simply by selecting the convenient server button from their movie seats. For the tech-savy individuals, Cinépolis offers the cinema classics snacks and refreshments on their website and app, allowing customers to order their food while purchasing their tickets in just a few clicks.
Alejandro Aguilera, CEO of Cinépolis Cinemas adds “We are extremely proud and overjoyed to be the first to offer this unique experience in Oman as Cinépolis is not only the largest luxury exhibitor globally, but it was also the pioneer of the luxury movie-going concept when it introduced it over 20 years ago” he added “There is nothing quite like cinema for sheer, visceral thrills and we are excited that this experience is now available in the heart of Muscat in Oman Avenues Mall.”
Cinépolis Cinemas Multiplex, a few steps from Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, boasts unique formats such as their award-winning Junior Auditorium featuring a colourful jungle gym, complete with slide and ball pit, as well as fun bean-bag seating.
Another cinematic experience that catapults Cinépolis Cinemas ahead of their competition is the state-of-the-art 4D E-motion experience. The immersive theatre format allows cinema lovers to “live” the movie thanks to motion seats and outstanding special effects such as wind, water, seat vibration, smell and air shots all perfectly synchronized with the action on the screen.
The cinema also boasts one Macro XE auditorium, complete with Dolby Atmos surround sound that creates a powerful audio experience thanks unlike anything imaginable thanks to the high-tech combination of the latest generation of audio speakers located throughout each of the venue’s premium auditoriums. The Deluxe or Premium seat options enjoy an uninterrupted view of the screen with rocking leather chairs available. The screen is triple the size of an ordinary cinema screen thus adding even more immersion into the cinema experience.
Cinépolis Cinemas in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Cinépolis Cinemas has created a joint venture with the Dubai-based Al Tayer to build and operate cinemas across the GCC region. In the GCC, the international chain opened its first cinema in Bahrain in January 2019, followed by three in Oman of the same year, one in the UAE and two in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In Saudi Arabia, Al Tayer Group and Cinépolis have partnered with Al Hokair Group, a leading hospitality and entertainment operator in the MENA region, to set up movie theaters in 15 major cities across the country.
Contact us to advertise your brand on the luxurious screens of Cinépolis Middle East.
Sources: Cinépolis Cinemas (Press Release)
The VOX Cinemas CTRL experience marks the latest innovation by the cinema exhibitor and gives audiences real-time collaborative influence over the plot of the movie.
VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, has introduced CTRL, the region’s first interactive movie experience which lets the audience collectively decide how the plot unfolds. The latest innovation from VOX Cinemas in partnership with entertainment and tech company, Kino Industries, launched across the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 5 August 2021.
VOX Cinemas CTRL will be showing Late Shift, the world’s first interactive feature-length film, which enables cinemagoers to decide the fate of the lead character and the course of the movie using a simple voting system on an App. During the screening of the high stakes action thriller, which has countless storylines consisting of 180 decision points and 7 alternative endings, the audience typically makes 40-50 choices, while the cutting-edge and seamless technology aggregates the votes and chooses the most popular option. Late Shift was directed and co-written by Tobias Weber – an award-winning filmmaker and a Co-Founder of Kino Industries, and Michael Robert Johnson – author of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes. The critically acclaimed movie was awarded the 2018 BAFTA Cymru Award.
Toni El Massih, Chief Content Officer, VOX Cinemas said, “We are incredibly excited to partner with Kino Industries and launch the Middle East’s first interactive movie, which puts the audience in control of countless adaptable storylines. Redefining the cinematic experience and introducing game-changing concepts that exceed our guests’ expectations has been a cornerstone of our success at VOX Cinemas and we continue to push the boundaries of innovation. Using pioneering technology, CTRL seamlessly combines the realism and production values of film with the interactivity of a videogame to create a new dimension of engagement. Having sold out at the Beijing International Film Festival in less than five minutes, I have no doubt that this unique and exhilarating participatory experience will prove hugely popular with cinemagoers in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Chady Eli Mattar, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Kino Industries added, “We are thrilled to be teaming up with VOX Cinemas on this exciting venture. For us they represent the epitome of a contemporary exhibitor – they are bold, innovative, forward thinkers, and we at Kino share a similar DNA! Thus, this partnership will be setting the standards of the future of cinema in the region.”
The daily screenings of Late Shift will take place at 6pm and 8pm (Sunday – Thursday) and 5pm, 7pm and 9pm (Friday and Saturday) at VOX Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Al Zahia, The Galleria Al Maryah Island and Wafi City. The experience will also be rolled-out across select VOX Cinemas in Saudi Arabia.
VOX Cinemas has been awarded ‘Best Cinema Experience’ at the MENALAC Awards for two years running (2019 and 2020). CTRL complements VOX Cinemas’ portfolio of world-class experiences which includes Snow Cinema at Ski Dubai; Sensory Friendly Screenings; OUTDOOR, an open-air concept and THEATRE and GOLD, luxury experiences which combine fine food and film.
Tickets for the VOX Cinemas CTRL experience can be booked via their website, app or purchased at the ticket counter.
Source: VOX Cinemas (Press Release)
With the Middle Eastern summer in full swing and school holidays in place, a family movie night is the perfect way to kickback and relax with loved ones!
As travel restrictions are still in place for most countries and with the heat of summer dampening outdoor plans, a family movie night seems the perfect way to relax and bond with family over a tub of popcorn.
Here are our top picks to help you decide what to watch on a family movie night:
The Lion King
A wise man once said, “old is gold” and we couldn’t agree more! Watching the original The Lion King has a charm of its own, the emotions, the thrill and not to mention the excitement! A perfect treat for you and your family.
The Harry Potter Series
Avada Kedavra all your boredom away with the Harry Potter series! Nothing beats magic, wands, and sports played on flying broomsticks! A series for youngsters and adults alike, Harry Potter and his battalion seems like the perfect go-to for a family movie night.
Frozen 1 and 2
A Disney original is always a good idea for family movie night. Be it Elsa’s magical powers or witnessing Anna’s love bring together her family – a movie with a happy ending is a movie for all!
The Pursuit of Happyness
Released in the early 2000’s, The Pursuit of Happyness is about a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son as he’s determined to begin a life-changing professional career.
Minions Series
Starring adorable little minions in lead roles, the Minions series is one to rev up the creative minds of your little ones at home. Filled with mischief, laughter and adventure, it is the perfect pastime these summer holidays. The latest installment, Minions: The Rise of Gru is set to hit the BIG Screen
The Princess Diaries
Breaking barriers of how each princess’ purpose is to have her prince, The Princess Diaries lead by example through their plot. Teaching girls about women empowerment and how even princesses make the silliest of mistakes, this widely loved movie is a must watch for all!
Avengers Marathon
Marvel fanatics, assemble! Everybody loves a good superhero movie with action, adventure, emotions and just the right kind of storyline. Filled with twists and turns, this adventurous, action-packed series will keep you hooked!
Back to the Future
With the latest sci-fi movies in today’s day and age, it’s always nice to kick back with an original that way ahead of its time. Back to the Future is about a 17-year-old high school student who is accidentally sent thirty years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, an eccentric scientist.
Up
Get ready for some waterworks and for your heart to be filled with joy. Up is one of Disney’s most popular award-winning animation that is based on 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen, who travels to Paradise Falls in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.
The Chronicles of Narnia
Based on a seven-book series, The Chronicles of Narnia has four movie installments, all revolving around a magical land with magical beings who must fight to protect what is theirs.
A plethora of blockbusters are also set to release on the BIG Screen over the rest of summer and the start of fall: Free Guy (August), Paw Patrol (August), Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (September), Venom: Let There Be Carnage (Septmeber), Dune (September), Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (September), Addams Family 2 (September) No Time to Die (October), Clifford the Big Red Dog (October) and more.
Book your tickets and head to the cinema for an immersive experience with your family and friends!
Sources: IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes
Setting a pandemic box office record, Black Widow opened with a whopping $218.8 million globally on its first weekend!
Marvel Studios’ latest production, Black Widow, surpassed all predictions for its opening weekend, collecting US$218.8 million globally. Crossing F9’s debut of US$162.4 million across eight overseas markets in its first weekend of release, Black Widow had a theatrical release in 41 international markets along with a simultaneous OTT release.
Here’s a closer look at the movie’s performance at box office:
Although Black Widow is yet to release in China, the biggest Marvel market in the world, it is performing exceptionally at worldwide Box Office, despite having a simultaneous OTT release.
Following a similar pattern of previously released blockbusters within the first half of this year, namely Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, F9 and now Black Widow, upcoming blockbusters are anticipated to follow a similar pattern, garner similar attention from audiences and shine at box office.
Contact us to showcase your brand alongside highly anticipated upcoming blockbusters namely – Suicide Squad (August), Free guy (August), Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (September), Venom: Let There Be Carnage (September), Dune (September), No Time to Die (October), Eternals (November), Top Gun: Maverick (December) and Spiderman: No Way Home (December).
Sources: Deadline, Variety and Box Office Mojo
The META Cinema Forum 2021 will be discussing how the MENA cinema industry has witnessed growth in the past year and is expected to be a billion-dollar market by 2024.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and health and safety protocols, the cinema industry in the MENA region has grown against the backdrop of a steep decline in the global cinema industry. Although the global Box Office is slowly making a comeback with pandemic-era record breaking opening weekends for F9 and Black Widow, the cinema box office revenues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are expected to grow by 4 percent to US$ 1 billion (Dh3.7 billion) by 2024, compared to a 2.4 percent decline worldwide, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a global auditing consultancy.
Research data analysed by finance website Finaria also showed that globally the combined revenues in the box office industry plummeted by 71.5 percent from $42.5 billion in 2019 to approximately $31 billion last year. Expansion throughout the Arab world and Middle East, specifically in Saudi Arabia, has unlocked a lucrative economic opportunity and Saudi Arabia has now become a major contributor to the growth of the global cinema industry.
The news comes as organisers, GM Events, released the dates for the fourth edition of the META Cinema Forum – the largest cinema convention in the Middle East and Africa – from October 26-28, 2021 at Atlantis the Palm, Dubai. It also follows shortly after Dubai government announced the lifting of restrictions on public entertainment events as part of a gradual opening up of the country’s borders to select countries that have recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.
META Cinema Forum 2021, which takes place amid the World Expo 2020 – one of the largest global events which is taking place for the first time in the Middle East – will host a conference, awards, seminars, workshops, masterclasses, special screenings, premieres, product presentations, slates, exhibitions and live demonstrations. The conference will tackle industry issues as well as regional industry-specific discussions on the film industry across Africa, Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.
“Back for its 4th edition, the META Cinema Forum, now expanding to cover markets across including Levant, Turkey and Indian subcontinent, is sure to be the hottest cinema event in year 2021.” Said Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner, Great Mind Events Management. “The event is unique in that it highlights the only region with an expanding cinema sector, with participants actively attending to source new design ideas, F&B concepts, technological innovation and alternative content.”
Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure & Entertainment added “VOX Cinemas is proud to be the strategic partner of the META Cinema Forum once again, given our shared commitment to the cinematic experience. Now in its fourth year, the META Cinema Forum provides an important platform and inspires dialogues amongst leading players so that we can continuously innovate and enhance the cinema experience and industry. With the META region becoming an increasingly important market to the global box office, events such as this are essential to the continued success of the industry and, we look forward to this year’s event which boasts a stellar line-up.”
Cinemas in many markets are still closed and few countries have opened cinema halls while many have permanently closed as a result of being significantly financially impacted by Covid-19. However, unlike many other markets, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) box office was up 3 percent to US$115 million in 2020, the PwC report says. By 2030, one of the governing authorities to regulate and operate cinemas, the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM), expects there to be around 350 cinemas and 2,500 movie screens in the country, and the industry will be worth around US$1 billion.
META Cinema Forum, the largest industry convention, will focus on the challenges faced by the cinema industry, changing trends as well as focusing on the new cinema projects that will drive the growth of the industry.
The continued participation and support of the African continent, backed by Pan African Film Consortium, will bring the leading African film industry movers and shakers into the conversation.
Mykel Parish Ajaere, President, Pan-African Film Consortium, says, “In 2020, the corona virus heralded a new economy for the creative industry with the global film industry alone suffering a revenue loss of over ten billion U.S. dollars due to the impact of the virus outbreak around the world.”
“There must be a way to balance commercial returns and I believe that the META Cinema Forum 2021 will provide sustainable solutions to Middle East and African cinema, at this difficult time. As president of the Pan-African Film Consortium and as an influencer in the African film industry, I’m excited about our partnership with the META Cinema Forum 2021. This is the time for Africa to strengthen its film economy and harness the enormous benefits the forum will provide.”
META Cinema Forum 2021 is backed by all the leading industry players. The event is supported by Pan-African Film Consortium while VOX Cinemas is once again Strategic Partner. Other leading exhibitors including MUVI Cinemas, Cinépolis Gulf, Novo Cinema, Cinemarine, StarzPlay, FimHouse Cinemas, Cinepax, ROXY Cinemas, Carnival Cinemas, Empire Cinemas and Women in Exhibition have also come on board as Cinema and Event Partners.
Click here to register for this year’s forum or contact Great Minds Event Management for more information.
Source: META Cinema Forum (Press Release)
