The Saudi Film Commission has assumed oversight responsibilities for the cinema sector, marking a departure from the purview of the General Authority of Media Regulation. According to industry reports, the transition has taken place following the completion of requisite regulations in an order from the Council of Ministers.
Muvi Cinemas, the largest exhibitor in Saudi Arabia, today announced that it is installing four new, Imax with Laser systems across some of the biggest commercial centers in the country.
Just six years after opening its first cinemas, Saudi Arabia’s big screen sector has accumulated SR3.7 billion ($986 million) in revenue, according to government data. According to the General Authority for Media Regulation, the industry sold more than 61 million tickets from April 2018 to March of the current year.
The Saudi Film Commission has recently organized a virtual open panel titled “Saudi Films at the Box Office,” shedding light on the performance of the Saudi box office and the influence of Saudi films on both local and global platforms. Noteworthy discussions revolved around the significant reduction in cinema ticket prices, signaling a remarkable shift as they are no longer the highest in the region, with average prices decreasing by more than 16 percent compared to the previous year, according to a report by Saudi Gazette.
Empire Cinemas has expanded its footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the inauguration of its first branch in the Madina region. Situated at Al Rashid Mall, this marks Empire Cinema’s tenth branch in Saudi Arabia, featuring 10 screens with a total seating capacity of 764.
The META Cinema Forum, which says it is the largest and most influential cinema convention in emerging markets, is back for its highly anticipated sixth edition November 7-8 at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai.
Alamiya has announced the acquisition of Lyra Pictures in its latest expansion into the cinema and media industry by the Saudi entertainment company. The newly formed partnership, which the companies say is transformative, marks a significant step toward the development of film production in the region.
CineSeason, an immersive two-day event taking place October 6-7 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is designed to provide aspiring filmmakers, content creators and enthusiasts with a comprehensive learning experience in various aspects of cinematic filmmaking, and the opportunity to join industry experts in discussing the latest technologies, trends and solutions in digital cinema, broadcast, and video ahead of the fourth edition of the Riyadh Season.
AMC has reached an agreement to transition from a management and investment role in the Saudi Cinema Company to a pure licensing relationship. The current AMC Cinemas and future locations operated by SCC will retain the AMC Cinemas name and other IP through a licensing agreement.
Havelock One has completed the interior works at Grand Cinemas' newest cineplex in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The theatre at Park Mall in Taif city marks the Grand Cinemas’ second location in the kingdom. It has 11 screens with a seating capacity ranging from 40-299, for a total seat count of 1,243 across 3,391 square feet.
