Exclusive: Universal Pictures International is entering into a new partnership with Emirates-based Majid Al Futtaim Distribution, which will see the latter distribute Universal films in Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates) and Egypt. . In Lebanon and Cyprus, Uni will maintain its distribution relationship with Four Star Films.
The new agreement, effective February 1, 2023, comes at a time when Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region as a whole are experiencing rapid growth in box office receipts. Majid Al Futtaim Distribution, which also manages Warner Bros titles in the region, is one of the largest groups in the region and is a subsidiary of Majid Al Futtaim Leisure Entertainment & Cinemas, which owns the largest exhibition chain in the Middle East, VOX Cinemas.
The parent company has more than 600 screens in eight Middle Eastern markets and has a portfolio that includes 29 shopping malls and 13 hotels, as well as leisure and entertainment experiences, among other holdings.
The deal with Universal kicks off with M Night’s thriller Shyamalan call the booth Next February. Other images slated for next year include Illumination’s Super Mario Bros. film, starring Nicolas Cage. RenfieldA successful franchise entry fast and furious 10 and DreamWorks animation troll 3among others.
Paul Higginson, Executive Vice President, EMEA, Universal Pictures International, said, “This is a very exciting time for cinema in the Middle East, with investment and audience interest at unprecedented levels. We are pleased to collaborate with Majid Al Futtaim, one of the most ambitious and far-sighted groups in the region ”.
Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas, added: “This strategic partnership reaffirms Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to delivering compelling content and the best cinematic experience for filmmakers in the region. We are proud to partner with Universal Pictures International, which has a long tradition of producing critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. We look forward to bringing their impressive blockbuster films and popular film franchises to the big screen and working together to strengthen the Middle Eastern film industry with films that appeal to a broad and diverse audience. “
Nils Swinkels, executive vice president and general manager of Universal Pictures International, also commented, “We are delighted to continue our distribution partnership in Lebanon and Cyprus with Four Star Films, which has been our trusted and exemplary partner in the region for over 40 years. years. We are proud and very grateful for the dedication and friendship of Hikmat and Elias Antipas and their teams, and we hope our relationship will continue and be strong.
Source: Deadline
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