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
Over-taking the benchmark blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong, F9 has zoomed its way to the top of Box Office within its first week of release!
The ninth installment in Universal’s Fast and Furious franchise – F9, clocked in the biggest international debut for a Hollywood title since the pandemic, garnering a total of $162.4 million across eight overseas markets in its first weekend of release – nearly doubling Godzilla vs. Kong‘s debut in those markets.
Here’s a detailed look at how successful the blockbuster has been in its opening weekend thus far:
F9 is set to release in a total of 62 markets throughout the rest of the summer, but won’t be releasing until it reaches Australia on June 17, followed by UK and US on June 24 and 25 respectively, and a host of key European markets in July.
Unlike most other blockbusters that have committed to a hybrid release format due to the pandemic – cinema and streaming platforms, F9 will solely release in cinemas.
Owing to the record-breaking collections of Godzilla vs. Kong and F9, upcoming blockbusters are anticipated to follow similar patterns and garner similar attention from audiences and shine at Box Office. Contact us to plan ahead and place your brand alongside upcoming blockbusters to reach your optimal audience.
Sources: Box Office Pro, Deadline,Variety, Screenrant and First Post
The third edition of the Sharjah Film Platform (SFP) organized by Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF), will take place from 14 – 21 November 2020, continuing the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to film programming and the support of established and aspiring filmmakers.
The Festival will screen award-winning and never-before-seen films, and include discussions and workshops – taking place across cinemas and online. Also part of the programme will be the distribution of awards by an international jury of distinguished directors, filmmakers and critics for outstanding cinematic productions screened during the festival, including Best Narrative, Best Documentary and Best Experimental Film.
Opening with the premiere of Soha Shukayr’s In the Time of Revolution – an original short film supported by SAF’s Short Film Production Grant 2020, the Festival will also feature 60 films from around the world, including the Middle East premiers of acclaimed films such as: The Shepherdess and The Seven Songs (2020), Eyimofe (This is My Desire) (2020) and Epicentro (2020), winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020.
Commenting on the third edition of SFP, Hoor Al Qasimi – Director of Sharjah Art Foundation said: “There is an exceptional community of filmmakers in the UAE and the surrounding region, and through the establishment of Sharjah Film Platform in 2018, we aimed to build on the SAF’s longstanding support for filmmakers and help bring their work to wider international audiences.”
“The substantial developments happening this year the inclusion of an online screening component for the festival and the launch of the SFP Industry Hub allow us to build on our commitment to films by bringing the work of incredible filmmakers from the region straight into the homes of viewers around the world and by creating new infrastructure to support emerging filmmakers and lay the groundwork for more risk-taking, experimental and exceptional films in the years to come,” added Al Qasimi.
Screenings will take place at SAF’s open-air Mirage City Cinema, the recently renovated Flying Saucer and the IMAX at Cinemacity – Zero 6 Mall in Sharjah. Meanwhile, online screenings will be hosted on SAF’s dedicated virtual Festival platform, which will also present the talks and workshops programme this year. The Industry Hub, launching for the first time, is a new initiative that aims to support film production and distribution in the MENASA region.
Cinema screenings are priced at Dh20 per screening, while online screenings will cost Dh10 per screening. An all-access online pass is also available for Dh50.
Click here to view the entire programme.
Click here to book you tickets.
Sources: Sharjah Art Foundation, Zaywa and Gulf News
AMC Cinemas opened yet another new cinema location – Al Khair, at Al Makan Mall in Riyadh, KSA on Tuesday 25th August 2020.
The cinema features 9 screens with a total of 801 seats, and also includes IMAX and PRIME at AMC experiences. Al Khair also features AMC Cinema Souq, a reimagined and fully customizable food and beverage concept which treats moviegoers to classic cinema fare, restaurant-quality hot food, special desserts, handcrafted beverages from AMC MacGuffins Mocktail and Coffee Bar as well as movie merchandise and much more.
Please Note: Due to travel restrictions, IMAX screen installation will delay based on tech’s arrival in KSA.
بكل فخر و سعادة نحتفل بتدشين سينما AMC الخير ٩ في المكان مول، حي الملقا بالرياض مع أول صالة لتجربة برايم في AMC ?
اكتشفوا AMC سينما و أكثر اليوم!?#AMC_سينما_وأكثر#المرئي_والمسموع#رؤية_السعودية_2030#برنامج_جودة_الحياة#مشاريع_الترفيه_السعودية#صحتك_بالدنيا pic.twitter.com/TKjKcpG8yI
— AMC سينما (@AMC_Cinemas_SA) August 26, 2020
To inaugurate the opening of Al Khair, various government officials, guests of honor and members of AMC’s executive team joined in the festivities with an exclusive premiere of PRIME at AMC, an extraordinary cinema experience featuring laser projection, Dolby Atmos sound and AMC’s signature Luxe Recliners.
AMC Cinemas presently operates 37 screens across 5 locations in 2 cities of Saudi Arabia.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates AMC Cinemas on the opening of Al Khair, and warmly welcomes this location to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across the AMC circuit in KSA.
Related Articles:
AMC Cinemas Opens at Riyadh Gallery in KSA
AMC Opens Third Location at Al Makan Mall in Hafr Al Batin
AMC Opens Second Location at Panorama Mall in KSA
Motivate Val Morgan Welcomes AMC Cinemas to its Circuit in KSA
Sources: AMC Cinemas and Zawya
AMC’s nine screen cinema at Riyadh Gallery is equipped with massive screens, 4K Barco laser projectors, immersive sound and Luxe Recliner and Plush Rocker seating. The cinema also features Dolby Cinema and AMC Prime screens.
AMC Cinemas opened a new cinema at Riyadh Gallery in KSA on Thursday 27th August 2020.
The cinema features 9 screens – with 4K Barco laser projectors, immersive sound and Luxe Recliner and Plush Rocker seating, with a total of 901 seats, and also includes Dolby Cinema and PRIME at AMC screens.
Greeting guests on arrival to the cinema is AMC Cinema Souq, a reimagined and fully customizable food & beverage concept. AMC Cinema Souq treats moviegoers to classic cinema fare, restaurant quality hot foods, one-of-a-kind deserts, creative handcrafted beverages from AMC MacGuffins Mocktail & Coffee Bar, as well as movie merchandise and much more. Visitors can come in and enjoy AMC Cinemas food & beverage offerings at any time as the Cinema Souq is available to everyone.
To inaugurate the opening of Riyadh Gallery, various government officials, guests of honor and members of AMC’s executive team joined in the festivities with an exclusive premiere of PRIME at AMC, an extraordinary cinema experience featuring laser projection, Dolby Atmos sound and AMC’s signature Luxe Recliners.
Commenting on the evening John Iozzi, Managing Director of AMC Cinemas said: “We are proud to be opening our fourth location in Saudi Arabia and to share this evening with friends, dignitaries and the people of Riyadh. I look forward to sharing many more AMC Cinema experiences with the people of KSA as we urgently expand our footprint across the country and continue to provide our guests with the best in cinema.”
نحتفل بإطلاق ٩ صالات سينما جديدة في AMC الرياض جاليري ?
مجهزة بأحدث التجارب وأكبر صالة #برايم_في_AMC مع تجربة سوق السينما للراحة في التسوق ??
تفضل بزيارتنا اليوم وعيش السينما وأكثر في AMC ?#AMC_سينما_وأكثر#المرئي_والمسموع#رؤية_السعودية_2030#مشاريع_الترفيه_السعودية pic.twitter.com/KuCPBJBiHc
— AMC سينما (@AMC_Cinemas_SA) August 28, 2020
AMC Cinemas also opened another new location – Al Khair, at Al Makan Mall in Riyadh on Tuesday 25th August 2020, which features 9 screens with a total of 801 seats, and includes IMAX and PRIME at AMC screens.
*More information on Al Khair at Al Makan Mall in Riyadh to follow in the coming weeks.
Together with Al Khair and Riyadh Gallery, the cinema exhibitor presently operates 37 screens across 5 locations in 2 cities of Saudi Arabia.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates AMC Cinemas on the opening of Al Khair and Riyadh Gallery, and warmly welcomes these locations to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across the four AMC locations in Saudi Arabia.
Related Articles:
AMC Opens Third Location at Al Makan Mall in Hafr Al Batin
AMC Opens Second Location at Panorama Mall in KSA
Motivate Val Morgan Welcomes AMC Cinemas to its Circuit in KSA
Sources: AMC Cinemas and Zawya
AMC’s eight screen cinema at Al Makan Mall in Hafr Al Batin features best-in-class projection, sound and seating, as well as a new innovative F&B concept – AMC Cinema Souq.
AMC Cinemas has opened its third Saudi cinema at Al Makan Mall, in the Eastern Province city of Hafr Al Batin.
AMC – Al Makan Mall officially opened on 13th August 2020, with a screening of the Saudi-directed and produced feature film Shams Al-Maaref. The cinema features 8 screens and 787 seats, and includes an IMAX screen.
*Please Note: due to current travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19, the installation of the IMAX screen at Al Makan Mall will be delayed.
View this post on Instagram
Al Makan Mall boasts the best of what AMC Cinemas is deploying in its rapid expansion across the Kingdom – industry leading in-auditorium experiences, exceptionally creative food and beverage offerings and remarkable service. Greeting guests on arrival to the cinema is AMC Cinema Souq, a reimagined and fully customizable food and beverage concept. AMC Cinema Souq treats moviegoers to classic cinema fare, restaurant-quality hot food, special desserts, handcrafted beverages from AMC MacGuffins Mocktail and Coffee Bar as well as movie merchandise and much more.
John Iozzi, Managing Director of AMC Cinemas, said: “It gives us great pleasure to open our newest location in Hafr Al Batin. We are truly blessed with the opening night turnout and share in the local excitement of this first class cinema.”
Iozzi further stated: “In the coming weeks I look forward to sharing many more AMC Cinemas experiences with the people of the Kingdom as we urgently expand our footprint in Saudi Arabia and continue to provide our guests with innovative cinema formats tailored for every taste.”
Every auditorium at AMC – Al Makan Mall is fully equipped with a massive screen, 4K Barco laser projector, immersive surround sound with Luxe Recliner and Plush Rocker seating throughout. Every seat is appointed with a table and USB charging port.
AMC Cinemas presently operates 19 screens across 3 locations in KSA.
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates AMC Cinemas on the opening of its cinema at Al Makan Mall in Hafr Al Batin, and warmly welcomes this new location to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across the three AMC locations in Saudi Arabia.
Related Articles:
AMC Opens Second Location at Panorama Mall in KSA
Motivate Val Morgan Welcomes AMC Cinemas to its Circuit in KSA
Sources: AMC Cinemas, Zawya, Arab News and Gulf News
VOX Cinemas opened its third location in Cairo, Egypt at City Centre Almaza on 1st October 2019.
City Centre Almaza is the fourth and latest addition to Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio in Egypt – which also includes Mall of Egypt, City Centre Maadi and City Centre Alexandria
Located in the heart of Heliopolis, City Centre Almaza spans over 100,000 square meters and features unique retail spaces, dining outlets and exciting lifestyle experiences – providing great moments for both residents and tourists in Cairo. The mall is also set to become one of the favoured destinations for shopping and entertainment over the next couple of years.
VOX Cinemas at City Centre Almaza is home to 16 state-of-the-art screens with a total of 1401 seats, and includes IMAX, MAX, Kids, 4DX and Gold Class experiences.
The cinema exhibitor presently operates 44 screens across 3 locations in Egypt:
Mall of Egypt – 21 screens with 2288 seats
City Centre Alexandria – 7 screens with 1626 seats
City Centre Almaza – 16 screens with 1401 seats
Motivate Val Morgan congratulates VOX Cinemas on its opening at City Centre Almaza in Egypt and warmly welcomes this new location to our regional cinema circuit.
Contact us for more information on cinema advertising opportunities in Egypt.
For more information on locations and movie timings in Egypt, visit https://egy.voxcinemas.com/
Sources: Daily News Egypt, VOX Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim
Related Articles
VOX Cinemas Opens at City Centre Alexandria in Egypt
VOX Cinemas Opens at Mall of Egypt – Cairo
Cinema is appealing to a more diverse group of consumers than ever before, making it an attractive platform for many brands to utilize. In order to ensure brands reach and engage their target audience effectively with their cinema promotion, there are certain consumer trends to be kept in mind, considering their potential impact on the outcome of a campaign.
The following article was published on LinkedIn by Casey Story – Organization Development Professional | Learning & Development Specialist | Sales Trainer & Coach
Kurt Wagner from Recode Media wrote an article stating that, “2019 will mark the first-time digital ad spend in the US outpaces TV and print combined.” Marketers will attest to this trend as there is a noticeable change in expectations among clients. Media planning conversations use to focus mostly around aspects including: Audience, engagement, reach, recall, like-ability, however the stakes have been shifting since 2008. Which most will remember as the year we all started walking around with cash registers in our pockets (personal smartphones).
Shifting of expectations from brands are steering agencies and media sales professionals to steer towards a ‘Positive Business Outcome’ approach to their media strategy. These teams are now focused on identifying the right consumers, reaching them in the right environment, engaging with them at the right time, and on the right devices to achieve and prove delivery of the KPI’s set forth by their clients.
While digital advertising allows brands to achieve several of these key components in the new outcome-based approach to planning, there are several considerations including: identifying the right consumers, reaching them in the right environment and engaging with them at the right time, that must still be supported by other channels in the traditional media space.
The following are three US consumer trends in 2019/2020 that make cinema advertising a more viable channel than ever to support brand goals:
Subscription Movie Going is Still Alive
Similar to blockbuster, taxi services and the music industry, the movie going industry did not feel a major disruption of their consumer’s expectations for a long period of time. The model was straightforward: negotiate with studios to fill theaters and auditoriums with blockbuster hits, sell tickets and concessions, invest in capital improvements that enhance the overall experience if/when needed. The main purpose was that the content on screen should be enough to encourage consumers to spend $10-20 dollars per ticket to see the films. Here’s where MoviePass makes its entrance.
The long-term arithmetic reflected in MoviePass’ model made it clear that without improved compensation from the circuits, the company was working on both borrowed time and money. As we know, the negotiation never happened, and MoviePass has been written down by its holding company.
The low-cost subscription model that MoviePass introduced however dramatically changed the consumer expectation regarding the cost of going to the movies. For the first time in years the exhibitors (Cinemark, Regal, AMC) have had to adjust their pricing strategy and are introducing subscription plans of their own. These actions have been well received by consumers. AMC recently announced that since launching their Stubbs A-List program (a $19.95 monthly subscription) in June of 2018, they have enrolled over 700,000 members.
This trend is important for advertisers considering cinema campaigns, because the data shows that when consumers have access to lower priced movie tickets, they see more movies. In the same article published in Variety, AMC noted that Stubbs A-List members had accounted for over 14 million movie ticket sales in the same amount of time.
Cinemark, Regal, and regional affiliates throughout the US are all working to finalize or develop their own subscription-based models to adapt to this shift in consumer expectation. What this means for advertisers is that passionate movie goers, those same consumers that drive 73% of spending in the US will be coming out in record numbers to their local movie theaters throughout 2019 because for the first time in years, they have a more affordable way of doing so.
Hollywood’s Franchise Era
The question, “When will Hollywood introduce us to new stories?” often rings in the minds of movie-goers alike. Ben Fritz’s book The Big Picture – The Fight for the Future of Movies answers this and discusses Hollywood’s shift towards the ‘franchise movie model’.
The reality is most consumers want two things when they choose to go to the movies:
Consumers may argue that they would prefer more adult dramas, romantic comedies, horror films, etc. However, the facts (historical ticket sales), reveal otherwise.
Looking at 2019’s slate of films, it is safe to say that we are in the heart of the Hollywood franchise era. The opportunities to experience something larger than life and culturally relevant are already driving record box office sales.
Captain Marvel (2019) made a total of $1,126,129,839 at the Worldwide Box Office. While remakes of popular Disney classics have been making cinema rounds. Classics such as: Dumbo made a total of $347,866,307 since its release in March 2019. Cinema-goers have also witnessed a rise in live-action remakes of popular Disney films this year, with movies such as The Lion King which made a whooping $1,638,761,919 at the box-office (to date). Whereas, the live-action version Aladdin’s live action version made a total of $1,037,017,346 since its release in May 2019.
From the Marvel Universe, the concluding film of the franchise- Avengers: End Game broke records at the box-office banking a total of$2,795,473,000 and continued to run in cinemas for 20 weeks across cinemas in the US.
The last quarter of the year holds great promise for the box office with mega sequels such as Frozen II, Jumanji: The Next Level and the concluding film of the Star Wars series: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker soon to release across cinemas worldwide.
Advertisers considering cinema campaigns should look closely at the historical success of the franchise model in domestic ticket sales. In the last four years, the highest grossing movies yearly in the US have come from within a franchise. This trend appears to continue throughout 2019. With the increased occurrence that moviegoers will be visiting theaters due to: Lower priced subscription service tickets and quality of content, advertisers have a unique opportunity to extend their reach among this audience year round.
Content Marketing: A Driving Force for Customer Connections
As digital spending eclipses traditional media spend this year, the digital marketplace has certainly become increasingly noisy. When adopting a positive business outcome marketing strategy, the goal is less about a brand’s ability to yell louder and more often than their competition. The goal, hence must shift, and brands must identify innovative ways to engage with their audience in an authentic manner, a trend that is leading the shift toward content marketing.
There are generally two approaches to developing a content marketing strategy:
When a brand has done well adopting either strategy, they pull their audience to their message instead of simply pushing more content into an already crowded marketplace. The impressions delivered from a content marketing strategy are much more valuable because customers actively seek out the content and actively share the message to other, like-minded, potential consumers.
Cinema is one of the last channels available for brands to tell an authentic story, at scale, in an environment with no ad skipping devices, and in front of consumers looking to be entertained.
Content marketing pieces delivered in this environment cut through the noise. Campaigns resonate with consumers, and the transparency of the cinema platform provides piece of mind for brands seeking to reclaim bot served impressions and eliminate wastage of advertising resources.
Are these trends similar in the Middle East?
Movie Ticket Offers
Leading cinema chains in the Middle East have tied up with mobile network providers (Example – du and Etisalat in UAE), offering cinemagoers to buy one movie ticket and get the other free. Similarly, numerous banks also provide customers a range of Debit and Credit card offers to availing movie-ticket and/or a free upgrade on the size of popcorn and beverages at the candy counter. Certain bank cards also offer moviegoers a buy 1 get one get one free movie ticket deal.
Such offers affirm the fact that when consumers have access to lower priced movie tickets, the frequency of cinema visits increase.
Love for Franchise Films
The craze among movie-goers for popular franchise films isn’t limited to the United States alone. Cinema statistics in the Middle East reveal the love and commitment among movie-goers in the region.
Following are statistics of UAE admissions for MEGA blockbuster franchise films:
Captain Marvel (2019)
Ran for 12 weeks and did over 425K admissions
Dumbo (2019)
Ran for 12 weeks and did over 180K admissions
The Lion King (2019)
Did over 697K admissions in the first 8 weeks since release
*The movie is still screening across select cinemas in the UAE
Avengers: End Game (2019)
Ran for 15 weeks and did over 848K admissions
Cinema Experiences like Never Before
A number of cinema chains in the Middle East offer unique cinema experiences – thus catering to the increasing demand by cinemagoers to watch movies like never-seen before. Audiences can now enjoy the latest blockbusters on mega screens such as IMAX, MAX, Dolby Cinema, nibble on gourmet delights at Dine-in Cinemas or opt for a luxury experience such as Gold by Rhodes, Theatre by Rhodes and Platinum Suites, while lounging in a comfy reclining seats, or dive into action on with 4DX and ScreenX.
VOX Cinemas recently launched a concept of ‘Distraction- Free Cinema’ to ensure cinemagoers immerse themselves entirely in the cinematic experience by tuning out all the distractions from theatres which include: no use of mobile phones or smartwatches, no late arrivals and no guests under the age of 18. Ninja-like staff are on surveillance inside the cinema throughout the screening.
In summary….
As price discovery, consumer targeting capabilities continue to improve the effectiveness of a brand’s digital execution, it’s important for marketers to identify the channels that allow them to reach a brand’s right consumer, in the right environment, at the right time, with a creative and authentic message.
Based on the forecast of movies, the trends in consumer behavior, and a shift in how brands are building relationships with their audience, there has never been a better time to double down in the cinema space.
Source: LinkedIn, Vox.com, AdAge, The Numbers, MVM Statistics
Abu Dhabi’s biggest VOX Cinemas opens at The Galleria Al Maryah Island
VOX Cinemas has added yet another location to its portfolio in Abu Dhabi. The brand new multiplex at The Galleria Al Maryah Island – located on the fourth floor of the North Atrium, opened its doors to cinemagoers on Thursday 5th September 2019.
VOX Cinemas – The Galleria Al Maryah Island offers an impressive 21 screens with a total seating capacity of 1,738 seats. The cinema is home to Abu Dhabi’s first IMAX screen (next-generation laser projection system to deliver stunning, crystal-clear images on the biggest screens for the world’s most immersive cinematic experience) and also includes Theatre by Rhodes (where fine food meets films) and Kids (designed especially for little movie lovers) screens. It is a cinema for all kinds of moviegoers – families with kids, luxury lovers and experience seekers.
VOX’s homegrown signature F&B outlets – Nutella Bar, Pizza Al Taglio and Kitchen 35, will also be available on site.
“VOX Cinemas continues to provide a compelling attraction for communities and our latest venture on Al Maryah Island is testament to its enduring appeal and success. We cannot wait for movie fans to experience our largest cinema in the capital and enjoy the many immersive cinema concepts we offer, including IMAX with Laser, an unrivalled and unmissable technology in the world of film,” commented Cameron Mitchell, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure and Entertainment.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island will reinforce Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas’ status as the fastest growing and most innovative cinema exhibitor in Abu Dhabi. The cinema exhibitor presently operates 440 screens across 44 cinema locations in UAE, Oman, Lebanon, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait and KSA.
We at Motivate Val Morgan would like to congratulate VOX Cinemas on the opening of the cinema at The Galleria Al Maryah Island, and as the exclusive cinema advertising partner, welcome this new location to our circuit in the UAE.
Contact us for more information on cinema advertising opportunities at VOX Cinemas – The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi.
Related Articles:
New VOX Locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Source: albawaba (Business)
Saudi Arabia made history in April 2018 with the launch of its first cinema at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) – operated by AMC Cinemas, followed by a 4 screen VOX Cinemas at Riyadh Park Mall in May 2018 – featuring IMAX and Kids experiences.
VOX Cinemas has subsequently cut red ribbons at 3 more locations in the Kingdom:
Red Sea Mall (Jeddah) in January 2019 – featuring IMAX, Kids and Gold Class experiences
Al Qasr Mall (Riyadh) in March 2019 – featuring MAX and Kids experiences
The Roof (Riyadh) in March 2019 – featuring a Kids experience
The Kingdom recently marked another historic milestone with both a private (Wednesday 13th March 2019) and public screening (Thursday 14th March 2019) of a Saudi film titled Roll’em at VOX Cinemas – Red Sea Mall.
Roll’em – written, directed, shot and produced over three years, features an all-Saudi crew (from the actors to the sound director). The brainchild of director Abdulelah Al-Qurashi, co-producer Abdulrahman Khoja, and screenwriter Yasser Hammad, tells the story of a Saudi filmmaker named Omar Nizar who meets a retired 1970s cinematographer while on a journey to discover his home city of Jeddah.
With diverse characters and an incredible cast, this family-friendly movie will show a different image of Jeddah.
“It’s a Jeddawi film to the core. The post-production was in Egypt. The areas where we don’t have expertise in we had to outsource, but everything that had to do with the creative work is purely Saudi,” said Hammad in an interview with Arab News.
“The idea (for the characters) came up from a joke actually. I was pretending to be an old cinematographer and using Hejazi words and the accent. It inspired me to create a character,” he said.
“We had our inspiration from actual film directors from the 1970s in Saudi Arabia that no one knows about. They tried to pursue the same dreams we had, but failed because of their circumstances.” he added.
Hammad said having the film screened in Jeddah “is like a dream come true,” adding: “Without this city, I wouldn’t be able to create art.”
Roll’em is the first of many more local projects to be released. Experts believe that Saudi Arabia could produce $1 billion in revenue over the next 3 years, and by 2030 it could be among the 10 biggest film markets in the world.
Sources: Arab News, Vogue Arabia and Variety
