muvi Cinemas – Central News Hub

CineMAS kicks off at Manarat Al Saadiyat

Set to run from 20th to 26th May at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the alternative film festival will also feature discussions with directors….reports Asian Lite News

CineMAS, the annual independent film festival, returns this May for its sixth edition with a captivating line-up of award-winning films from the UAE, the region and around the world.

Curated by Oscar-nominated filmmaker and visual artist Scandar Copti, the festival showcases thought-provoking films across a variety of genres, including drama, comedy and documentary. Set to run from 20th to 26th May at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the alternative film festival will also feature discussions with directors.

A celebration of the best in independent cinema, CineMAS 2024, each film is carefully chosen for its compelling storytelling and artistic merit and provides a window into the human experience, transcending borders and bridging diverse communities.

This year’s edition will kick off with Emirati filmmaker, Humaid Al Suwaidi’s feature film ‘Dalma’, which follows the story of Dana, an Emirati woman who moves to Dalma Island upon inheriting a decrepit house from her recently deceased father. The film, which had its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival, takes viewers on an emotional journey of self-exploration.

The film festival will also feature an evocative Oscar-nominated environmental documentary, ‘All That Breathes’ by Academy Award-nominated Indian filmmaker, video artist and film scholar, Shaunak Sen; a moving sci-fi documentary, ‘Lyd’ by directorial duo Sarah Ema Friedland and Rami Younes; and the Sudanese drama ‘Goodbye Julia’ by the emerging talent Mohamed Kordofani’s.

The festival also includes a retrospective of a film series by artist Lawrence Abu Hamdan and an incredible selection of short films, including a Golden-Bear-winning short by filmmakers Michelle and Noel Keserwany, ‘Les Chenilles’.

Scandar Copti, the curator of this year’s edition of CineMAS, is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and visual artist. His first feature film ‘Ajami’ won the Camera d’Or Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the 82nd Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category. Copti teaches filmmaking at New York University Abu Dhabi. He is also working on the post-production of his upcoming feature film ‘Happy Holidays’, and developing his forthcoming documentary ‘A Childhood’.

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Saudi to get new cinema experience with muvi Cinemas

Appealing to 18,000 residents and many visitors of the City, the popular cinema brand will drive footfall to Al Mishraq, benefiting the surrounding retail shops…reports Asian Lite News

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City has signed an agreement with muvi Cinemas, Saudi Arabia’s homegrown cinema brand and the country’s largest theatre operator, to open a new cinema experience in the recently announced central zone of the City, Al Mishraq.

muvi Cinemas in Al Mishraq will offer eight screens, including a 500-seat Dolby cinema, a 100-seat muvi SUITES VIP cinema experience, and a 300-seat muvi boutique-themed cinema. There will be expansive lobby areas which can host corporate functions and gala events. A fresh and healthy eating café will cater to both cinema guests and the general public.

The agreement with muvi Cinemas reflects efforts to bring a wide range of entertainment and leisure experiences to the City, with the City supporting the aims of Saudi Vision 2030 to enrich the Kingdom’s entertainment industry. Appealing to 18,000 residents and many visitors of the City, the popular cinema brand will drive footfall to Al Mishraq, benefiting the surrounding retail shops.

Adon Quinn, CEO of muvi Cinemas, said: “We are extremely thrilled for muvi Cinemas to be selected as the cinema exhibitor at Al Mishraq. As a homegrown company, leading the market share in both screen count and box office, it is a continuation of our expansion plans to offer our outstanding cinemas and experiences to capture the imagination of the nation. We are working hard to deliver a unique experience that supports such a prestigious and innovative development.”

David Henry, CEO of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City, said: “The agreement to bring muvi’s new cinema to Al Mishraq aligns with our goal to provide unique experiences for the residents and visitors of the City. The cinema will provide an opportunity to showcase Saudi culture and visual art.”

For more information on leasing and partnerships, please contact the team at City@misk.org.sa

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City will be the first of its kind in the world and is located in Irqah neighborhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa, on an area spreading over 3.4 square kilometers.

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