With cinemas across the UAE closed due to COVID-19, it’s ben announced that upcoming theatrical releases will go straight to digital and on-demand platforms.
Front Row Filmed Entertainment will start premiering the latest cinema releases on VOD platforms including OSN, beIN, Du, Etisalat E-Vision, Ooredoo, Vodafone, and more. This will mark the first time a regional distributor goes straight to mobile devices rather than the cinema.
Kicking off the list of theatrical releases on Thursday April 9 is history-drama Resistance, starring big-time stars Jesse Eisenberg and Ed Harris.
The new release follows the story of entertainer Marcel Marceau, France’s most famous mime, during World War II.
You can check out Resistance by buying or renting on iTunes, Google Play, beIN ON DEMAND and the OSN Store, as well as all local platforms including Du, Etisalat E-Vision, Ooredoo, Vodafone, and OmanTel.
What else can film fans look forward to? Front Row’s upcoming premieres include Drake Doremus’ Endings, Beginnings starring Golden Globe Nominee Shailene Woodley, Jamie Dornan and Sebastian Stan; Hirokazu Kore-eda’s The Truth with Ethan Hawke, Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, and Philippa Lawthorpe’s Misbehaviour with Keira Knightley, Jessie Buckley and Greg Kinnear.
“Front Row is strongly committed to theatrical exhibition”, said founder and CEO of Front Row Filmed Entertainment Gianluca Chakra.
“However, Covid-19 has quarantined MENA moviegoers and, given these uncertain times, it’s useless to stall on releases and deprive moviegoers from fresh premium content. The world hasn’t stopped. It’s changing, and so are viewing habits which dictate new business models.”
Front Row’s COO Nicolas Torloting adds: “These are challenging times, but we are confident that cinemas will bounce back. People will understandably be hesitant to go back to crowded places once this crisis eases. With this in mind, I believe exhibitors and distributors are going to have to start working extremely closely and find creative ways of encouraging people back into cinema halls.”
After more binge-worthy movies to keep you occupied while self-isolating? We’ve got you covered right here.
For more things to do while staying indoors in Dubai, click here, for Sharjah click here, and for Abu Dhabi, click here.
