The animated movie “The Emoji” is the first movie to be screened after a 35 year old ban was lifted.
Jeddah: A month after the ban on cinema was lifted The Emoji movie was the first movie that was screened. Saudi Arabia is seen to progress as they took yet another step closer to the “2030 vision” . The Kingdom plans to open its first cinema in March.
https://youtu.be/r8pJt4dK_s4
This movie was screened alongside Captain Underpants: the first epic movie as a double treat for the audience.
https://youtu.be/VDm_2m-Hg6c
This initiative was taken by the authorities who despite all the odds created a cinema like environment with red carpet, popcorn machines and a screen where people enjoyed their movie screening in a cultural hall. Due to lack of proper infrastructure alternative venues are been chosen to screen the movies. Mamdouh Salim’s brand Cinema 70 organized this week long screenings and made it all happen.
“Until now, there is no infrastructure for movie theaters, so we are trying to take advantage of [alternative] venues to approximate the cinematic form,” –Mamdouh Salim
It is not only a beneficial step for the people but also the economy as a large audience is still untapped. Authorities plan to open 300 cinemas , 2000 screens by 2030. This will not only encourage the entertainment industry to take bigger steps but it will also provide employment and save entertainment trips to Bahrain generating more money. Several international and regional chains expressed their interest as the Kingdom is issuing licenses for cinema. The sovereign made a deal with the largest exhibition company AMC.
Coming soon:
https://twitter.com/abdullah_alarfj/status/940776349211463680
Vox, Middle East’s largest provider hopped on too:
“We are committed to developing VOX Cinemas in Saudi Arabia and to make sure that every one of our Saudi customers will have a VOX Cinema close to them where they will be able to experience what they have been experiencing outside Saudi Arabia – in Saudi Arabia,” said Alain Bejjani, chief executive of VOX’s parent company Majid Al Futtaim
