The horror genre staged a triumphant comeback following the pandemic, led by the 2021 release of A Quiet Place: Part II, which garnered a staggering US$297.4M worldwide (with over US$2.5M from UAE alone). Beyond renewing confidence in the cinematic medium, this extraordinary achievement prompted film studios to reevaluate their horror movie release strategies.
This momentum carried into 2022, as notable titles like Scream V, Smile, and Nope achieved remarkable success, captivating audiences on both the global and regional box office fronts.
2023, marked by the successful release of a series of horror films such as M3gan, Evil Dead Rise, and The Boogeyman. Alongside these, new releases such as Insidious: The Red Door, Cobweb, and Talk to Me are delighting in prosperous theatrical runs in.
However, the tale doesn’t conclude here! The horror landscape of 2023 is by no means finished, as the most exciting moments are still ahead, especially with Halloween looming on the horizon. From the highly awaited reboot of the classic psychological horror masterpiece, The Exorcist: Believer, to the spine-chilling tenth installment of the renowned SAW franchise, here’s a look at the horror movies set to grace the remainder of 2023:
The Nun 2 – 07 September 2023
A Haunting In Venice – 14 September 2023
SAW X – 05 October 2023
The Exorcist: Believer – 13 October 2023
Five Nights at Freddy’s – 26 October 2023
Thanksgiving – Expected 17 November 2023
The movie follows a serial killer in Massachusetts who attempts to make a carving board out of unsuspecting victims. The film continues the Grindhouse universe, and just like Machete and Hobo with a Shotgun, it is based on one of the fake trailers in the Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino collaboration from 2007.
Salem’s Lot—TBA 2023
Based on Stephen King’s novel, the movie follows a writer who goes to a small town, only to find out that it’s being overrun by vampires. The movie stars Pilou Asbæk in the role of Richard Straker, Lewis Pullman as Ben Mears, Spencer Treat Clark as Mike Ryerson, and Nicholas Crovetti as Danny Glick.
Dark Harvest—TBA 2023
Based on Norman Partridge’s eponymous novel, Dark Harvest concerns a specter named Sawtooth Jack who goes up against violent gangs of boys hoping to take down the supernatural creature once and for all. The horror movie boasts a stellar cast, with the likes of Elizabeth Reaser, Jeremy Davies, Luke Kirby, and Ezra Buzzington.
With these exceptional upcoming titles, audiences can look forward to more thrilling and chilling experiences as the genre continues to evolve and captivate viewers worldwide.
Source: Screen Rant, Collider, VOX Cinemas
Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan leads the list of upcoming Indian blockbusters releasing in the second half of 2023
Indian cinema is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in 2023, recapturing the pre-pandemic excitement with a captivating lineup of titles.
One standout release in the first half of the year was Pathaan (Hindi), featuring the charismatic Shah Rukh Khan, emerging as the most popular Indian movie of the year to date. Additionally, other noteworthy box office successes include Adipurush (Hindi and Telugu), Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two (Tamil), Waltair Veerayya (Telugu), and Romancham (Malayalam).
As we venture into the second half of 2023, the Indian Box Office keeps its promise of an exhilarating lineup of major tentpoles. Already scoring success both domestically and internationally are Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Hindi) and Bro (Telugu). Audiences can also eagerly anticipate the upcoming releases of OMG 2 (Hindi), starring Akshay Kumar, Jailer (Tamil), featuring the legendary Rajnikant, and King of Kotha (Malayalam), starring Dulquer Salman, all set to hit the big screen in August 2023.
As for September 2023 and beyond, here are the most anticipated Indian blockbusters scheduled for release:
Jawan (Hindi)
Release Date: 7 September 2023
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone
Salaar (Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam)
Release Date: 28 September 2023
Stars: Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tinu Anand, Shruthy Hassan
Leo (Tamil)
Release Date: 19 October 2023
Stars: Joseph Vijay, Anurag Kashyap, Sanjay Dutt
Ganapath: Part 1 (Hindi)
Release Date: 20 October 2023
Stars: Tiger Shroff, Himanshu Jaykar, Kriti Sanon
Tiger 3 (Hindi)
Release Date: 10 November 2023
Stars: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Emraan Hashmi
Animal (Hindi)
Release Date: 1 December 2023
Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Triptii Dimri, Anil Kapoor
Pushpa: The Rule Part 2 (Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam)
Release Date: 15 December 2023
Stars: Allu Arjun, Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna
Yodha (Hindi)
Release Date: 15 December 2023
Stars: Sidharth Malhotra, Disha Patani, Raashi Khanna
Dunki (Hindi)
Release Date: 22 December 2023
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani
Following these highly anticipated Indian blockbusters presents an excellent opportunity for brands to reach and engage with the Asian audience.
Think cinema for ‘attention-grabbing’ advertising!
*Movie release dates are subject to change
Source: IMDb, Google
Abu Dhabi Motors LLC, an authorized dealer of luxury car brands, recently launched an integrated cinema campaign for BMW across select cinema locations in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
On Screen Campaign
Following one of the biggest blockbusters of 2023, Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, the 60-second ad showcases BMW’s latest line-up of cars and emphasising the brand’s innovative ‘Forwardism’ concept that seeks to find joy in tomorrow through the fusion of art, technology, and luxury, engineered to delight and excite.
Off Screen Campaign
Dedicated promoters engaged with cinemagoers at strategically positioned kiosks in the foyer area of the cinemas over the weekend of 14th to 16th July 2023. Cinemagoers had the opportunity to scan a QR code, fill out an online form, and receive a coupon offering free popcorn and drinks.
During a screening of Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One at a selected cinema on Friday, July 14th, 2023, five vouchers were discreetly placed under the seats. These vouchers offered the chance to redeem a BMW goodie bag and participate in a test drive. A promoter engaged with the cinemagoers, encouraging them to check under their seats to see if they were the fortunate winners.
Enhance your brand’s exposure through an integrated cinema campaign, leveraging creative and exciting off-screen promotional opportunities, complemented by an impactful ad on the big screen.
Contact us for similar advertising opportunities across our cinema circuit in the GCC, Egypt and Lebanon.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is the latest thrilling installment in the iconic Mission: Impossible franchise, with the daring Tom Cruise leading the charge. Anticipation for the film’s release has been high among both devoted fans and esteemed critics, and it has already proven to be a resounding box office success.
In its opening week, the movie achieved remarkable milestones, grossing an impressive US$80M domestically within its 5-day opening and amassing a staggering total of US$235M worldwide. This success underlines the enduring appeal of renowned franchises like Mission: Impossible in the region, making them prime opportunities for prominent brands to engage in cinema advertising.
Leading automotive manufacturer BMW, ectronics giant Samsung and luxury clothing and accessories brand Carter & White, among others, seized this golden opportunity to captivate cinema audiences alongside this year’s most highly anticipated action-packed cinematic experience.
Here are the cinema campaigns booked to follow or coincide with Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One:
Gazebo Restaurant
Country: UAE
Campaign type: Follow the movie
Expo City Dubai
Country: UAE
Campaign type: On screen 13-26 July 2023
Carter & White
Country: UAE
Campaign type: Follow the movie
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Country: UAE and KSA
Campaign type: On screen 13 July -09 August 2023
BMW
Country: UAE
Campaign type: Follow the movie
On screen campaign and Off Screen campaign – Refer to the article: BMW | Integrated Cinema Campaign | 2023
Ford Middle East
Country: UAE
Campaign type: Follow the movie
Asyad Express – Ship Your Cart
Country: Oman
Campaign type: On screen 13 July -09 August 2023
Etihad Airways
Country: UAE
Campaign type: Follow the movie
American University of Kuwait
Country: Kuwait
Campaign type: On screen 07 July -20 August 2023
Samsung Flip
Country: UAE
Campaign type: Follow the movie
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Country: UAE
Campaign type: Follow the movie
Massadr
Country: KSA
Campaign type: Follow the movie
Think cinema for ‘attention-grabbing’ advertising!
Check out the list of upcoming blockbusters in Q3 2023 and contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across the GCC, Egypt and Lebanon.
Here are the ads that lit up the big screen during Eid-Al-Adha 2023:
Gazebo – FTM Indiana Jones & The Dial of Destiny
Country: UAE
Operators: Select VOX Screens at Mall of the Emirates
Dallah Hospital
Country: KSA
Operators: Select AMC, Muvi, Reel & VOX Locations
Oriental Weavers
Agency: Initiative Cairo
Country: Egypt
Operators: Select VOX Locations
Vodafone
Agency: UM Qatar
Country: Qatar
Operators: Select VOX Locations
Gravity
Country: Bahrain
Operators: Select VOX Locations
Kuwait Finance House
Agency: Mindshare Kuwait
Country: Kuwait
Operators: VOX Cinemas
Think cinema for ‘attention-grabbing’ advertising!
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities alongside upcoming summer blockbusters.
The United Arab Emirates wins 21 majestic Lions – 1 Grand Prix, 1 Gold, 6 Silver and 13 Bronze, at the 2023 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
The 70th edition of the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity drew to a close on 23rd June 2023, with the United Arab Emirates winning a total of 21 Lions – 1 Grand Prix, 1 Gold, 6 Silver and 13 Bronze, across multiple categories, including first-time wins in the categories of Glass: The Lion for Change, Entertainment for Music, and Creative Data. The UAE also amassed an impressive count of 89 shortlists, truly exemplifying its creative prowess on the global stage.
Winning agencies from the UAE include Impact BBDO Dubai, FP7 McCann, Leo Burnett, ‿ and us, VMLY&R, Saatchi & Saatchi ME and Havas Middle East. Their remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the thriving creative landscape within the UAE and the country’s capacity to compete at the forefront of the global advertising and marketing industry.
Philip Thomas, Chairman, LIONS, said, “The body of Lion-winning work that emerged from the Jury rooms points the way forward, and demonstrates the power of the industry to drive change, build businesses and shape society. Congratulations to all those who entered, who made the shortlists, and who won a Lion at the Festival’s 70th edition to set the creative benchmark on the global stage.”
The 70th edition of the Cannes Lions Festival also marked a significant milestone for the UAE, as it boasted the largest contingent of jurors to preside over a single festival. Notably, Ali Rez from Impact BBDO made history by becoming the first-ever Jury President from the MENA region, while Sandro Gelashvili from Google contributed as a jury member for the inaugural Entertainment Lions for Gaming category.
Symon Medeiros and Jonathan Cruz from ‿ and us, along with Chloe Salloum from the American University in Dubai, proudly represented the UAE in two esteemed events as part of the Festival: the International Young Lions Digital Competition (for young creatives under 30 in the digital category) and the Roger Hatchuel Academy (a mentorship program for university students in creative communications). Their participation exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to nurturing and empowering emerging talent in the ever-evolving creative landscape.
Commenting on their experience at this year’s Festival, Saymon and Jonathan from ‿ and us, expressed, “Attending Cannes Lions is always a fantastic experience. It’s a hub of creativity and inspiration where we can gain insights from the best ideas around the globe. Moreover, it’s an excellent opportunity to interact with past colleagues and connect with individuals we aspire to collaborate with in the future. This year, the Young Lions competition centered around Rocket Learning, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young children prepare for school. We were given 24 hours to develop a digital solution for their brief. It was truly rewarding for us to utilize the power of creativity to assist them in solving real-world problems.”
Speaking about her experience at this year’s Roger Hatchuel Academy, Chloe Salloum from American University in Dubai said, “Representing the UAE at the Cannes Lions Roger Hatchuel Academy was a remarkable experience that exceeded all of my expectations. The week-long program has completely transformed my life and mindset, pushing me to embrace heightened creativity and purpose in my work. Beyond the educational aspect, I had the privilege of forging deep connections and friendships with my fellow Roger Hatchuel Academy graduates. As a member of SheSays Dubai, I was thrilled to learn that 80% of the academy members were women! That is a true testament to the brilliance of women in this industry, and I was ecstatic to be a part of it.”
She further added, “I want to thank my professor, Dina Faour, who has been the driving force behind all of this. I am grateful to American University in Dubai for providing me with the academic knowledge and professional exposure I need to start my career. Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to the Motivate Val Morgan team, especially Dumindrini Ratnayake, for her professional guidance and support throughout the entire Roger Hatchuel Academy experience. The program has left a special mark on my heart, and I am eager to utilize the invaluable insights I have gained to contribute to the dynamic advertising industry in the UAE.”
As the official representatives of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the UAE, Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan extend heartfelt congratulations to the victorious agencies, esteemed jury members, and talented young representatives who proudly showcased the UAE at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Sources: Cannes Lions ‘The Work’
Jazeera Airways recently booked an integrated cinema campaign through Zenith Media, to promote their summer offers, coinciding with the release of the action blockbuster Fast X at VOX Cinemas – The Avenues in Kuwait.
The on screen component of the campaign included a 30 sec. ad following Fast X, while the off-screen execution witnessed Jazeera Airways taking over the ‘Hero Screen’ (above the candy bar) from 23 May to 05 June 2023.
Leverage the power of an integrated cinema campaign to increase brand visibility through a combination of on and off screen advertising.
Contact us for more information on integrated cinema advertising opportunities across the Middle East.
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Armani Code | Integrated Cinema Campaign | KSA
Kibsons International recently booked a sampling activity at select cinema locations across Abu Dhabi between 19-21 May 2023.
The sampling activity was booked to coincide with the release of the action blockbuster, Fast X, which collected over US$3.3 million in its opening weekend in the UAE, and $319 million globally.
The sampling was Kibsons’ second cinema campaign of this year, following the successful integrated campaign in January.
The latest campaign entailed the distribution of branded boxes containing a selection of fresh fruits, snacks, and a discount voucher for patrons to collect at the entrance and exit of the cinema auditoriums at the respective locations.
Contact us to learn more on how off screen cinema advertising can help move your brand closer to its target audience.
Source: Box Office Mojo.
Motivate Val Morgan, in partnership with VOX Cinemas recently hosted an exclusive private screening of Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 at Mall of the Emirates.
The event, attended by over 150 agency and direct clients, offered attendees an immersive cinematic experience in the Dolby Atmos auditorium, and a specially curated ad showcase playlist and preshow.
Avinash Udeshi, COO of Motivate Val Morgan, opened the event with a speech, providing valuable insights into the cinema industry’s resurgence since the pandemic. Ten lucky invitees discovered complimentary luxury movie passes concealed under their seats, while kids in attendance were presented with complimentary movie passes to watch a movie of their preference.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to VOX Cinemas for their invaluable support in organizing and executing this screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. We also extend our gratitude to all the guests in attendance for making this event a truly memorable experience.
Stay tuned for future ‘Private Screenings’ in the UAE and in our other markets.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities.
Check out the ads that featured in cinema during the Eid al-Fitr 2023 long weekend!
The region witnessed an upswing in activity during the Eid al-Fitr long weekend, marking one of the most bustling periods of the year thus far, with residents gathering at malls and entertainment venues to partake in the festivities.
With the release of several blockbusters during the extended weekend, cinemas were buzzing with patrons eager to watch their favorite titles in the company of their loved ones. This presented brands with a unique opportunity to engage a captive audience and leave a lasting impression through both on-screen and off-screen advertising initiatives.
From product promotions to messages of unity and support, here are the ads that lit up the big screen during Eid al-Fitr 2023:
WWE 2K23 – FTM John Wick: Chapter 4
Duration: 30 Secs
Country: KSA
Please Note: In compliance with the country’s regulations, a revised and concise version of the WWE 2K23 advertisement screened in KSA.
Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre
Duration: 30 Secs
Country: UAE
Al-Futtaim Automall
Duration: 40 Secs.
Country: UAE
Prime Healthcare Group– FTM Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan
Duration: 15 Secs
Country: UAE
Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
Agency: 30 Secs x 2
Country: UAE
Cultural Development Fund
Duration: 30 Secs
Country: KSA
Dallah Home Care
Duration: 20 Secs
Country: KSA
Diriyah Gate Development Authority
Duration: 30 Secs
Country: KSA
Galaxy Jewels
Duration: 20 Secs
Country: KSA
Al Theeb Specialist Centre
Agency: 15 Secs
Country: KSA
Boubyan Bank
Duration: 1.10 secs & 1.08 Secs
Country: Kuwait
Kaya Skin Clinic – FTM Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan
Duration: 15 Secs
Country: UAE
McDonald’s
Duration: 30 Secs
Country: Kuwait
Talabat
Duration: 15 Secs
Country: Kuwait
Elabd Foods
Duration: 15 Secs
Country: Egypt
Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation
Duration: 15 Secs
Country: Egypt
Private Natural Cotton
Duration: 30 Secs
Country: Egypt
American University of Bahrain
Agency: 45 Secs
Country: Bahrain
Information & eGovernment Authority Bahrain
Duration: 2 x 50 Secs
Country: Bahrain
Escape Code
Duration: 1.06 Secs
Country: Bahrain
In addition to the on screen ad, ElAbd booked two sampling activities at Mall of Egypt and City Center Almaza for a period of two weekends.
Think cinema for ‘attention-grabbing’ advertising! Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities alongside special events and celebrations.
