META Cinema Forum brings together cinema stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and CIS countries, committing to elevate the cinematic experience in emerging markets.
The sixth edition of the highly successful META Cinema Forum took place between November 7-8, 2023, at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai under the theme ‘Growing the Region’s Cinema Share,’ exemplifying a dedicated commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the industry.
The event, attended by over 500 delegates, visitors, buyers, sellers, and other industry stakeholders, featured engaging discussions, presentations, and workshops addressing the industry’s challenges, solutions, and current market dynamics. Key topics covered included Regional Content Production and International Collaboration, Cinemas of the Future, as well as a comprehensive exploration of emerging cinema trends and technologies, incorporating vital cinema statistics and case studies delving into Rewarding Patrons and Effective Pricing Strategies.
A myriad of stands, presenting the latest products, services, and technologies from a carefully curated selection of industry suppliers, technology providers, and stakeholders, were also showcased at the event.
The forum also attracted the biggest cinema operators in the region as partners in success, with VOX Cinemas, the forum’s strategic partner, alongside AMC KSA, Cinepolis, Muvi, and other cinema operators presenting their future expansion plans.
A notable feature of this year’s edition was the spotlight on Women in Film and TV (WIFT). The event showcased a round table discussion titled ‘Beyond the Glitz,’ featuring prominent female panelists such as Nancy Paton, Founder of Desert Rose Films and President of WIFTGCC, Charlotte Louise Sutcliffe, Entertainment Lawyer and Associate at CWB, and Head of Events at WIFTGCC, Ozge Conduroglu, Acquisition & Distribution Lead at The Plot Pictures MENA, and Ashleigh Potts, Marketing Director at Studio Distribution, Majid Al Futtaim LLC.
Additionally, the forum celebrated rising female Emirati filmmakers Zainab Shaheen, Maitha Al Awadi, Eman Al Sayed, and Sarraa Al Shehhi. The spotlight also shone on Nayla Al Khaja, the first Emirati film director, who received recognition at the WIFT MENA AWARDS during the event.
Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner, Great Mind Events Management, remarked, “The success of the 6th META Cinema Forum reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing the cinematic landscape in emerging markets. This year’s event has reinforced our belief in the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared experiences within the industry. We are excited about the future possibilities and the role META Cinema Forum will continue to play in shaping the cinema sector in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region.”
The two-day cinema conference also featured special screenings, including the latest Marvel movie ‘The Marvels’.
The highlight of the event was The META Cinema Awards and Gala Reception—a night of celebration recognizing outstanding achievements in the cinema industry. Nathan Gilligan, Senior Operations Manager at Comscore, and Nena Loncar, Client Insights Manager at Comscore, presented the awards. Recipients of this year’s META Cinema Awards include:”
Motivate Val Morgan was one of the media partners for the META Cinema Forum and a supporting partner for Meta Cinema Forum 2023.
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.
Saudi Tourism recently booked two off screen cinema advertising campaigns – through PHD, across the Motivate Val Morgan regional circuit.
The first wave of the campaign commenced in December 2021 across multiple VOX Cinema locations in UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, and Reel Cinemas – The Dubai Mall in UAE. The second wave commenced in February 2022 across multiple Muvi, AMC and VOX cinema locations, and Cinépolis –Jameah Plaza in Saudi Arabia.
The campaign covered a variety of digital screens across the cinemas, which included digital pillars, hero screens, entrance lightboxes and main trailer screens.
Also check out the Saudi Tourism Authority on screen cinema ad booked through Motivate Val Morgan in 2021.
Integrated cinema campaigns provide greater brand visibility and enable brands to target cinemagoers across multiple touchpoints.
Contact us for more information on integrated cinema campaigns across our cinema circuit.
Newly opened Muvi Cinemas – The View is part of the ongoing Muvi brand’s expansion strategy across Saudi Arabia.
Muvi Cinemas opened its Fifteenth location Muvi Cinemas – The View at The View Mall in Riyadh on 15th December 2021. The cinema offers 9 screens with a capacity of 977 seats.
Similar to other locations operated by the exhibitor, Muvi Cinemas – The View was designed by UK’s Chapman and Taylor, with an aim to create a dynamic, modern and innovative cinematic experience.
The designs for the cutting-edge cinema venues have a theme of urban downtown, with the intention of creating a dynamic, modern, and innovative cinema experience. Internal spaces are characterised by an industrial, yet luxurious, material palette, including timber, exposed steelwork, exposed brickwork, and an exposed concrete floor. Digital LED screens and dramatic lighting installations complement the city warehouse feel, providing a strong visual identity for the developments.
The View Mall spanning 52,200 square meters is an excellent hangout spot which boasts more than 170 international and local brand names, covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. A comprehensive list of shops features sportswear from Adidas, kidswear from Ziddy, Scandinavian brand L*TT LIV, jeans from Levi’s, casual wear from Aéropostale, and more.
Muvi Cinemas now operates 144 screens across 15 locations in 8 cities across Saudi Arabia.
Contact a member of our sales team for cinema advertising opportunities on the screens of Muvi Cinemas – The View.
Sources: Chapman and Taylor and MUVI
Saudi Arabia lifted its national curfew on June 21, 2020 and resumed commercial activities, which included the reopening of cinemas across the country.
Following the reopening of cinemas by VOX and Muvi cinemas in KSA, AMC Cinemas reopened its doors to the public on Thursday 2nd July 2020. In line with government restrictions, social distancing remains in place and wearing a face mask is mandatory.
The cinema exhibitors has also posted videos on its social media channels highlighting the safety and precautionary measures they have taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for cinemagoers:
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Similar to all cinemas across the region, AMC Cinemas will screen previously released blockbusters from 2019 and early 2020, until new blockbusters start releasing from August 2020.
Visit amccinemas.com for more information on movies screening across its locations, and contact us for cinema advertising opportunities across the AMC cinema circuit in KSA.
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