TheatreWorld ::: September-November 2023

Entering the second half of 2023 with fresh enthusiasm and appetite for all the latest updates in the cinema world, as the entertainment and theatre technology industries continue to pool new content and equipment for the advancement of movie watching experiences. Biding farewell to the pandemic era- where the world was forced into a halt due to the Covid-19 virus, it is refreshing and encouraging to see that cinemas are reopening across the world with the same passion as before, and the general public is flocking to see all of the current hits that have debuted in their local theatres, reviving the big screen business after a two-year hiatus. In the last few months alone, there has been a flurry of restorations, reconstructions, innovations, and the opening of numerous new cinema venues around the world, ranging from single-screen to multiplex! The opening of brand-new theatres equipped with the newest technology to improve the moviegoing experience have been announced by cinemas nationwide as well as internationally

Blockbusters have dominated the box office in the recent months, and are continuing to do so with the recent releases that have taken the cinemas by storm! In July we saw the phenomenal launch of Christopher Nolan's ' Oppenhiemer'- where the movie took its audience on an electrifying journey that weaves together heart-pounding action sequences, immersive audio design, exceptional performances, stunning visuals, and meticulous direction. Stunning cinema reviewers, moviegoers, and history buffs all around the world! Five weeks later, the R-rated historical drama has accomplished a remarkable feat, amassing an impressive USD 718 million at the worldwide box office. Following soon after, the release of 'Jailer' created an uproar of fanatic energy across South Indian cinemas. Rajinikanth, as usual, exudes unmistakable charm on film, catching the audience's attention from the first moment. His depiction of the character (jailer) is a marvel in adaptation, sliding smoothly between periods of steely power and emotional reflection. He puts life into the role with his unique flair and flawless acting. ' Jailer' has amassed a remarkable worldwide box office collection of USD 711 million after earning more than USD 476 million domestically and USD 235 million internationally.

The excitement does not end there as we are yet to see what the film industry has in store for us over the second half of 2023, as festivals and events begin- it is the ideal time to attend a theatre and catch a seasonal movie that will make cinema feel captivating once more! This year's cinema breakthroughs continue to emphasise laser projections, immersive sound, IMAX, and larger screens. Meanwhile, they have begun to take environmentally friendly measures to make cinema operations more sustainable and to promote a ‘Go Green’ project! Cinema exhibitors are really taking a step towards catering to their audience and trying to bring the best out of everything within their cinema halls. It should be emphasised that filmmakers are also working on developing films that are better suited for the large screen rather than mobile phones and computers, implying that the public should see the film in cinemas to fully appreciate the cinematography and graphics!

The sixth edition of the Big Cine Expo 2023- the world's second largest international tradeshow and convention- was hosted in the Chennai Trade Centre in Chennai, India on the 8th and 9th of August! The two-day event was a success, with a mix of product displays, product demonstrations, product presentations, studio presentations, seminars, panel discussions, awards programme, film screenings, networking, B2B meetings for industry employees! We also announced the dates of the next Big Cine Expo 2024, join us next year at the Bombay Exhibition Center (NESCO) in Mumbai, India for its 7th edition on August 27-28, 2024!!!

Raghavendra T (Raghav) Editor-Publisher

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Issue #97

September-November 2023

Raghavendra T

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TheatreWorld is a quarterly publication, on the motion picture exhibition industry, for private circulation. It reaches out to subscribers, mainly theatre owners and trade professionals around the world. Additional copies are being promoted at major international industry tradeshows. TheatreWorld seeks the healthy promotion of the theatre industry through dissemination of useful information. Some of the information is compiled from industry sources, trade journals, company brochures for the benefit of readers, especially, theatre owners. TheatreWorld acknowledges with thanks the authors and publishers of these printed materials. Views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and not necessarily of TheatreWorld. TheatreWorld is a trademark under registration. The contents of TheatreWorld are under copyright registration. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Unsolicited printed material is welcome but no responsibility is undertaken for the same and will not be returned. TheatreWorld does not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of information published.

This issue of TW has two sets of page numbers - International pages TW-1 to TW-40 for TW, and India pages TM-1 to TM-38 for TM TM is inserted between pages TW-34 and TW-35 of TW

TW-8

SPECIAL STORY

TW-16 Everyman Cinemas: Cinemas of Victorian Bliss

INSTALLS

TW-20 GV Bugis+ Singapore: Cinematic Treat for the Senses!!!

TW-22 QFX Cinemas: Redefining Movie-Watching Culture in Nepal

TECHNOLOGY

TW-26 Omniplex Cinema, Ireland: Lap of Luxury for Drogheda

TRADESHOWS

TW-31Review -

TW-34Preview -

TW-35 F U T U RE R E L E S E S A

TM-4

INDIA PLEXING

TM-16 Varadaraja Cinemas: Unveiling Vintage to Modern Legacy

TM-20 Revathy Cinemax, Kerala: Where Dreams Come Alive

TM-33 Dhishoom Cinemas: The Perfect Blend of Luxury and Comfort

TM-35 Cinépolis India: Scales New Heights

BUSINESS TREND

WTC Cinemas: Megaplexes Taking Charge!!!

INSTALLS

TW-24

Event Cinemas, Queensland: Australia's First 270° Cinema

TW-28 TECHNOLOGY

SPECIAL FEATURE

TM-24 Maruthi Talkies: Redefining The Cinematic Experience

PVR INOX: Another Step Towards Innovation & Luxury

TM-28

Christie Powers Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible

Christie recently announced that it was specifically selected and entrusted by longstanding partner Hoyts Cinema Technology Group (CTG) to provide digital cinema projection technology for the Australian premiere of Paramount Pictures' 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One'.

For this major event, Hoyts CTG transformed the Darling Harbour Theatre at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) into a state-of-the-art, wellappointed movie theatre to screen the highly anticipated action film in the long-running 'Mission:Impossible' franchise. The Christie CP4435-RGB pure laser cinema projector lit up a screen measuring 17 metres wide and 7 metres high (55-foot by 22-foot) with bright, vivid images in 4K resolution. For the first time at an Australian film premiere, Hoyts CTG deployed the Christie CineLife+ Series projector, recognised for its advanced electronics and unparalleled cinematic performance.

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' is the seventh motion picture in the 'Mission: Impossible' series starring Tom Cruise as the main protagonist, IMF agent Ethan Hunt. The Australian premiere was a star-studded extravaganza with the red carpet attended by Cruise, McQuarrie, Australian celebrities, and a sizeable audience.

Paramount Pictures chose Hoyts CTG, a leading cinema technology and digital signage solutions provider, to deliver the technical support, integration, and installation for the film's debut Down Under. A trusted Christie partner, Hoyts CTG's enduring relationship with Christie gave it complete confidence in

installing the Christie CP4435-RGB cinema projector to bring Ethan Hunt's latest adventure to life on the big screen with stunning visuals.

"For the extraordinary demands of the 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' Australian premiere at ICC Sydney, we relied on Christie's exceptional RGB pure laser projector," said Adam Wrightson, Managing Director, Hoyts CTG.

"Drawing upon our longstanding partnership with Christie, we had utmost trust that this projector would brilliantly illuminate the 17-metre screen. With its advanced RGB pure laser technology, the projector delivered precisely what we had hoped for - razor-sharp and vibrant imagery that created an unforgettable premiere experience."

Brian Claypool, Executive Vice President, Cinema, Christie, added, "We are delighted to partner with Hoyts CTG to provide an unparalleled cinematic experience for the Australian premiere of 'Mission: ImpossibleDead Reckoning Part One.' Our highperformance RGB pure laser cinema projector, combined with the expertise of Hoyts CTG, brings breath-taking action to audiences with astounding visuals. Christie continues to push the boundaries of cinema

technology, ensuring that moviegoers are immersed in the magic."

Christie CineLife+ Series cinema projectors offer an exceptional moviegoing experience in mainstream theatres. Equipped with ultrafast CineLife+ electronics and Real|Laser illumination, these compact, all-in-one DCI-compliant projectors introduce a new level of color and contrast. It boasts high efficiency, ensuring a long operational life, and showcases 2D and 3D content in stunning 2K or 4K resolution at up to 120 fps. With different illumination, resolution, and brightness options to choose from, the Christie CineLife+ Series cinema projectors captivate audiences with incredibly vivid and lifelike imagery on an affordable platform that delivers top performance well into the future.

Inspire Series Illuminates Attractions in Guangdong Province

Christie announced that its Inspire Series 1DLP laser projectors have been selected by visitor attractions in China's southern Guangdong province as their preferred projection

system, captivating audiences with vibrant visuals.

Over 80 projectors, including the Christie DWU760-iS, DWU860-iS, and DWU960-iS models have been fitted in the China Qiaodu Museum of Overseas Chinese and Jiangmen Local Chronicles Hall in Jiangmen City, as well as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Talent Hub in Guangzhou. These projectors, supplied and installed by Christie's trusted partner Jianye Display, are equipped with a fixed motorised zoom lens and an IP5X dust-resistant optical engine. They are highly regarded for their ability to create immersive and amazing experiences that delight guests.

"AV technologies, including projections, have been increasingly embraced by visitor attractions in China to bring exhibits to life with dynamic visuals," said Zhongliang Li, Technical Director at Jianye Display. "Projection systems offer a versatile and visually stunning way to tell stories, educate, entertain, and create unforgettable moments for visitors. With advanced features like laser illumination, 24/7 operation, quiet operation, and omnidirectional capabilities, the Christie Inspire Series delivers striking visuals to these prestigious venues in Guangdong

province, making it the ideal choice for enhancing visitor engagement and enjoyment."

Opened in early 2023, the China Qiaodu Museum of Overseas Chinese vividly illustrates the struggles and significant contributions of overseas Chinese from Jiangmen. Close to two dozen Christie DWU760-iS and DWU860-iS projectors are used to illuminate a range of digital exhibits throughout the museum. These include projections of the Maritime Silk Road map, enchanting silhouette displays of Chinese emigration, historical portrayals of migration, highlights of overseas Chinese contributions to railroad construction, and projections focusing on Chinese language education, among other engaging installations.

At the Jiangmen Local Chronicles Hall, 40 Christie DWU760-iS and DWU860-iS laser projectors have graced the exhibition areas offering a comprehensive and systematic showcase of Jiangmen's history and ongoing development across various aspects, including nature, politics, economy, society, and culture. Serving as the city's premier exhibition hall, it provides visitors with a holistic and organised presentation of Jiangmen's rich history and current progress.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Talent Hub is a cutting-edge facility that serves as a leading talent centre, providing topquality services and one-stop solutions for skilled individuals in the Greater Bay Area. The exhibition areas in the Talent Hub are powered by more than a dozen Christie DWU860-iS and DWU960-iS laser projectors, and a Christie 4K7-HS 1DLP laser projector. Colourful projections on a large, curved screen immerse visitors in a vast and lifelike environment, while a separate breath taking 270-degree panoramic display transports guests to a world where they become an integral part of the projected content.

April Qin, Senior Director of Sales for China, Enterprise, Christie, commented, "We are thrilled that visitor attractions in Guangdong province have chosen the Christie Inspire Series for various exhibition zones to enhance the visitor experience. These installations have mesmerised audiences and showcased the many capabilities of this high value and affordable projector series intended for small-tomid-size environments. The combination of stunning visuals and advanced features has created immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact."

From the smallest meeting rooms to the biggest screens, there's a Christie projector that fits every application and budget. Our line-up of 1DLP and 3DLP projectors come in a range of brightness and resolution options with , and deliver exceptional image quality, brightness, versatility, and ease-of-use. In China, Christie projection solutions are widely used in several night tourism, theme parks, museums and science centres, education, art, and exhibition venues.

Vue International and Cinionic Advance Sustainable Cinema in Italy

Cinionic, the leader in laser cinema, and The Space Cinemas, a division of Vue International, announced their plans to bring Laser Projection by Cinionic to 114 screens across Italy. The move to laser was part of a larger initiative by The Space to reduce the overall energy consumption of theatres in line with Italy's recovery plan. Laser projection is the green choice for cinema presentation technology today through lower electricity use, elimination of waste from consumables, and a smaller carbon footprint.

As one of Italy's top cinema circuits with 362 screens across 36 locations, The Space Cinemas' decision to move to laser represents an important shift toward sustainability for moviegoing in the region. The company was meticulous in selecting a partner that could meet its requirements and support the transition to a greener cinema business. Cinionic's team worked closely with The Space to conduct site testing, data analysis, and finetune the technology mix to ensure the project adhered to the precise technical guidelines committed to the Italian government.

"We strongly believe that great stories should be experienced in a special way, in a special place. The cinema is certainly that special place," says Francesco Grandinetti, General Manager of The Space Cinema. "Disconnecting ourselves from the outside world to experience two hours of pure magic is the invitation we extend to our audience, and with the new Cinionic technology in our theatres we are now able to give all fans the opportunity to enjoy complete immersion in the unique Big Screen Experience, and do it in a more environmentally sustainable way as well."

For this initiative, The Space needed a technology partner that emphasises

sustainability alongside high-quality cinema, which aligns perfectly with Cinionic's commitment to building a brighter, greener future for cinema. Cinionic's leading all-laser portfolio with a full range of 2K and 4K Barco Series 4 models enabled the circuit to deploy a tech stack that matched the unique needs of each of its theatres.

New Bristol Cinema Will Measure Audience Reactions

A state-of-the-art cinema will monitor audience reactions like never before. Instrumented Auditorium, considered one of the world's most innovative cinemas, will open in Bristol in 2024. It will record audiences' biometric responses, including their heart rate, eye movement and brain activity as they react to what is on the screen.

Iain Gilchrist, Professor of Neuropsychology at the University of Bristol, said it would provide "unique insights" into content creation. The 36-person cinema will open at the MyWorld creative hub at The Coal Shed in St Phillips, using a £400,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation. It will be equipped with cutting-edge equipment to record data on how audiences react to the content they are watching and hearing. As well as monitoring their heart rate, eye movement and brain activity, researchers will also observe the electrical properties of people's skin to gauge their subconscious emotional and sympathetic responses.

Prof Gilchrist said: "If we want to understand whether a new experience or new technology is working, we have to ask the audience. The Instrumented Auditorium will allow us to stream data that captures audience responses moment by moment, providing unique insights that take us way beyond current questionnairebased methods."

"This is the first fully-instrumented facility of its kind in the world, which is exciting not just for us as researchers, but for those working in the creative sector, providing insights which will shape the future of film, television and beyond."

Odeon Group Appoints New MD for UK-Ireland

AMC's Odeon Cinemas Group, Europe's largest cinema operator, has confirmed the appointment of Suzie Welch as Managing Director for U.K. and Ireland.

Suzie Welch served as interim Managing Director in March this year after Carol Welch's departure. She will now continue in the role permanently alongside her chief people officer responsibilities.

Welch joined Odeon in 2019. Prior to working at the cinema chain, she held roles at PizzaExpress, Costa Coffee and TGI Friday's.

Odeon has also promoted of Zarah Doyle to European talent director and people director, U.K. and Ireland. She will be responsible for the group's European strategy for talent, leadership and diversity, Equity and Inclusion alongside her existing U.K. and Ireland responsibilities.

Evolution of Cinema Food in the UAE: A Brief History

The quintessential movie food is a fresh bucket of popcorn sold at concession stands that also brim with a colourful variety of sweets and sodas - the triple threat of cinema snacking.

For years, food options were limited to these items. But recently, cinemas have been sending eager movie buffs into option paralysis, dithering in long queues before the film starts because they don't know whether to get a popcorn and New York-style hot dog sandwich combo or a platter of Arabic treats and a Wagyu burger.

Theatres today have redefined the concept of dinner and a movie, seemingly fusing the two together with gourmet offerings. And the UAE is working towards this.

"When Vox Cinemas first opened in 1999, our menu was limited to 14 core items. Today, we offer a wide range of signature food and beverages to cater to different budgets and preferences,"

Joe Teixeira, vice president of food, beverage, leisure and entertainment at Majid Al Futtaim tells The National.

About 50 items are on the Vox Cinemas menu, including seven different flavours of popcorn, as well as nachos, chicken nuggets, masala sweetcorn and even vegan burgers. The menu expands even more at special in-cinema dining experiences, where full courses are served.

Another regional movie operator, Roxy Cinemas, has a menu that was recently revamped to "take finger food to another level", says Murray Rea, Director of Operations.

In addition to the typical popcorn, they sell lobster rolls, pastrami sandwiches, pies and salads.

When did this happen? Historically, concession stands were independent from theatres. Hawkers and food vendors sold snacks, and for a while, cinema owners were quite hostile towards them.

The Great Depression hit the US in the late 1920s and cinemas were squeezed, prompting them to include food and beverage operations. They installed sweets dispensers and leased space to popcorn vendors.

According to Andrew F Smith's Popped Culture, it did not take long for theatres to realise the lucrative addition of popcorn. By 1930s, they were selling it in-house, investing in their own concession stands. No big capital was needed to sell popcorn, but they could offer it for significant prices to turn a profit.

This was the beginning of the full cinema experience. Cinemas were soon being built with the food bar as one of the major considerations. There was demand for it, as written by Maggie Valentine in her book 'The Show Starts on the Sidewalk'.

She said the rising popularity of television during the 1940s threatened theatre attendance, and owners became even more reliant on snack sales for sustenance.

This history reflects a similar movement in the cinema scene today, where operators such as Vox Cinemas and Roxy Cinemas are placing prime importance on a fuller theatre experience that appeals to peoples' desire to eat good food while watching a good film.

"Changes in our food offerings are driven by our guests' valuable feedback," says Teixeira.

Vox Cinemas is present across eight markets in the region and part of its menu creation is ensuring to "cater to the demands of each local community".

Meanwhile, Roxy Cinemas says it collaborates regularly with culinary experts and chefs.

"Changes in our food offerings are driven by our guests' valuable feedback", says Rea, who adds that more and more guests are "seeking out distinctive and improved experiences".

"Audiences now anticipate a full entertainment package since the moviegoing experience has developed beyond merely watching a movie," he says.

"The future of cinema food, therefore, holds great potential for innovation and customisation."

Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' Surpasses $700 Million Globally

technologies into the three cinemas at its Damodar City Labasa Centre.

Div Damodar, Chief Executive, highlights their pioneering role in technological progress, aiming to provide an entirely novel cinema experience. "The thing is, at the moment, there are a lot of technologies going into the cinema. The cinema itself has a VX cinema, premium, Dulux… it has got the very latest laser production system that is going in. It also has new technology in sound. So, its equipment is arriving as we speak."

Christopher Nolan's ‘Oppenheimer’ has surpassed USD $700 million at the global box office, becoming the fourth-highest grossing movie of the year.

After five weeks of release, the R-rated historical drama has generated USD $718 million at the worldwide box office, including USD $285 million in North America and USD $437 million internationally.

The film has outperformed 'Fast X' (USD $704 million) and 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' (USD $686 million) and trails behind 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' (USD $1.35 billion), Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' (USD $1.279 billion) and Marvel's 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3' (USD $845 million).

Those ticket sales also rank as Nolan's fourth-biggest movie of all time, passing 2014's 'Interstellar' (USD $715 million) and standing behind 'TheDarkKnight' (USD $1.006 billion), 'The Dark Knight Rises' (USD $1.08 billion) and 'Inception' (USD $837 million). It's also the director's highest-grossing release in 50 overseas markets, including Germany, India, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia.

In North America, 'Oppenheimer' has remained in the top three for more than a month. It's the highestgrossing R-rated film of the year,

ahead of 'John Wick: Chapter 4' (USD $187 million), and it's the sixthbiggest release of 2023 after Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' (USD $297 million).

'Oppenheimer' has been a particularly huge draw in IMAX with USD $146.4 million from the premium format's screens. It's the fifth-highest grossing IMAX movie ever - and the top four were USD $2 billion blockbusters: 'Avatar' and its sequel 'The Way of Water', 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens', and 'Avengers:Endgame.'

Nolan adapted 'Oppenheimer' from the Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'American Prometheus.' Cillian Murphy stars as the theoretical physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb. The rest of the ensemble cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh and Alden Ehrenreich.

Cinema Experience With Cutting-Edge Technologies in Labasa; Damodar Group

The Damodar Group of Companies has raised the bar for cinemas in the country by incorporating cutting-edge

The cinemas constitute a vital component of the project's second phase, which is projected to reach completion by the year's end. Up until now, an impressive sum of USD $60 million has been invested in the evolution of the Damodar City Labasa Centre.

How New Laser Projection Technology Delivers Huge Energy Savings for Cinemas

Twelve years on from the big transition from 35mm to digital cinema, projection is undergoing another overhaul - this time to replace high-pressure mercury and xenon lamps with laser light illumination. Not only does the newer technology deliver superior picture quality (colour reproduction, higher contrast ratios, consistent illumination), but significant energy savings for cinema owners.

"Laser is a natural transition in projection technology as it offers serial benefits to cinema owners, including potentially huge cost savings," says Phil Lord, manager at cinema technology company Christie Digital Systems.

Laser projection was first introduced in 2014 with systems costing around USD $327,000. Sales were sluggish with exhibitor's content to wait for the end of life of their current systems before making the upgrade. Now soaring electricity costs and industrywide attention on sustainability have refocused buyers' minds. Around 13% of the 200,000 cinema screens worldwide are installed with laser, but with lamp-based product contributing less than 20% of new projectors sold, and with the costs of laser projectors falling to USD $38,000 (•35,000), the number is expected to tick upward at pace.

"Laser is a key enabling technology contributing to the wider sustainability of the whole industry," says Carl Rijsbrack, chief marketing officer and head of innovation at projector manufacturer Cinionic.

One environmental and financial gain is that lamps no longer need to be replaced. Xenon bulbs typically last 500-1,000 hours before burning out. Lasers can power light for 50,000 hours before eventually fading below industry-benchmark specifications, provided the system is properly operated and maintained.

Laser is more energy efficient compared to traditional lamp-based technology. It generates less heat and does not require external cooling or ventilation systems, reducing energy consumption further. During the UK

Cinema Association conference, Mark Williams, director of WTW-Scott Cinemas, which operates in southwest England, demonstrated that in illuminating similar-sized screens, laser used 70% less power than lamps. That is the same figure Cinionic claims theatres powered by its laser projectors can save over a product lifetime.

Investment Return

Further data from supplier Sharp NEC suggests that based on current market costs for energy, it would take 30 months to return investment in a laser projector installed in a standard small screen. The period is less than five years for larger screens. Manufacturers offer online 'ready reckoners' for exhibitors to input screen number, screen dimensions and current electricity costs and calculate approximate operating costs between legacy projectors and rival laser products. "The arguments are compelling but a main issue for exhibitors is finding the upfront finance," says Mark Kendall, business development manager at Sharp NEC.

A xenon kit is cheaper to purchase. While NEC, Cinionic and fellow supplier Barco have all discontinued production, Christie continues to manufacture three xenon models and has even reinvested in the technology. "There is demand in certain territories for xenon," says Lord. "Some post-

production facilities have been using xenon for years and want to carry on, others where capex is a big issue."

Since the guts of the digital light processing (DLP) chip set in any projector are fundamentally the same whether a xenon lamp or laser pushes light through the lens, theatre owners can upgrade their current projectors with a new laser source. This can double the working life of machinery, says Rijsbrack. Cinionic also enables cinema owners to lease its laser equipment.

Costs for the purchase of the laser are subsidised by governments in some territories including Italy, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, as part of wider green and energy-saving initiatives. There is no such scheme in the UK.

Christie has developed a laser optical system that, according to the company, further enhances system efficiency. "New laser diodes are much more efficient and more field replaceable," explains Lord. "An engineer can easily swap out a laser module on site as opposed to having to ship the projector back to a lab."

Panels of direct-view LEDs are an alternative technology that eliminates projectors and projection screens altogether but, according to Kendall, this is far more power-hungry.

"All the major circuits like Odeon and Cineworld are looking at how much everything costs, from projection to sound systems to the Slush Puppie machine in the foyer," says Lord.

All contend that, among the technologies in the building, a move to laser projection will bring the greatest environmental and financial saving.

Seaside Screen Brings Magic of Movies to Gaza Years After Cinemas Closed

"We can get movies on mobile phones, but this is something new and is nice," said 15-year-old Hadeel Hejji.

Ali Mhana, 35, the cafe owner and local playwright, said he had never been to a regular cinema.

Meet the new trend that is multiprojection, too, which is debuting Down Under thanks to Event Cinemas. In the chain's ScreenX's auditoriums, there'll be a trio of screens: one right there at the front where it usually is, plus one over the left wall and another across the right wall.

With car tyres, rocks and mounds of sand as seats, Palestinians of all ages have been enjoying a rare trip to the movies at a big-screen event on the Gaza beachfront.

The open-air show - with a playlist including the animated children's comedy 'Ferdinand' - was for many viewers a first experience of a projected film since the impoverished enclave's last cinema closed more than three decades ago.

Hosted by ‘The Sea is Ours’ cafe, the screenings were designed to promote issues of culture and history approved by the conservative Islamist Hamas government.

They left some in the audience longing for more.

"I hope one day there will be a cinema, so I can go to the cinema and eat popcorn," said 13-year-old Mohammad Zidan as other children lolled in the sand, giggling at the cartoon.

Cinema once flourished in Gaza, with Palestinians flocking to see Arab, Western and Asian films, but the movie houses were torched in the First Intifada in 1987 and then burned down again in 1996 during a wave of internal violence.

The last cinema, long abandoned, is now a haven for bats.

While Gazans have been able to go to movie screenings which are held from time to time at theatres and other venues, such a full bill of films, being shown over several weeks at the venue, is a rare treat.

"At the sea, you don't need to look for an audience, the sea has its own. People are here all the time, including children, who get attracted by the sound and image and come to watch the movies," Mhana said.

Event Cinemas' New ScreenX Projects Movies Over Three Walls, Australia

Three walls, three screens, and a 270-degree field of view: that's the maths. ScreenX will premiere on the Gold Coast, launching at Event Cinemas Robina in August; however, that's just the beginning of the rollout.

Event Cinemas plans to take the concept nationwide, including hitting Sydney by the time that 2023 is out. The exact details of which other sites will be scoring the ScreenX experience, and when, haven't yet been revealed - but only peering forward is about to become outdated.

Call it cinema, the movies, the pictures, the big screen, the silver screen, a glorious excuse to sit in a darkened room without your phone for at least 90 minutes: whichever you prefer, the experience it refers to is usually the same. You head over to your favourite/most convenient theatre, get comfortable in your chosen chair, maybe munch on popcorn or a choc top, and stare at the giant rectangle in front of you as the magic happens. Sometimes the shape that glistens with films is bigger than normal, but there's always just one of them - until now.

Meet ScreenX, Australia's first-ever surround-screen viewing experience, which'll use three screens within one movie theatre.

If your first question is "How big will this three-screen setup get as it envelops everything that I can see, including my peripheral vision?", the answer is up to 67.7 metres in width. The surround-screen format will be paired with surround sound, of course, to truly immerse two of your senses. And while you watch, you'll be in recliners to get as comfortable as possible.

If your burning query is "Which films can I see?" - Aka which flicks will make you feel like you've walked right into them - the response there is: big blockbusters and epic spectacles. Among the upcoming slate of releases, 'Dune: Part Two', 'The Marvels' and 'Aquaman' and 'The Lost Kingdom' are all getting the ScreenX treatment at Robina. The cinema is also looking backwards, too - not literally, just into past hits - with 'Top Gun: Maverick', 'Avatar: The Way of Water', 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'

Everyman Cinemas: Cinemas of Victorian Bliss

EVERYMAN PLYMOUTH

Everyman opens new state-of-the-art cinema in Plymouth, South-West England and people are loving it. Everyman recently opened a new, luxury 'sofa' cinema in the Royal William Yard and the property has already enjoyed a roaring first weekend as moviegoers heap praise on the venue.

The state-of-the-art cinema has opened within the transformed Melville Building and officially welcomed its first customers recently.

The cinema chain was all ready to fit out the 9,000sq ft space in early 2020, and had hoped for the movie house to open its doors for the patrons that year. However, the pandemic hindered plans for the brand then, setting the triple-screen cinema to finally open three years later.

Everyman - The very definition of luxurious boutique cinemas. Bringing an innovative lifestyle approach to the venues, where one could simply swap your soft drink for a nice glass of red wine and a slice of freshly made pizza served to your seat. Creating the warmth and friendly atmosphere, with the finest selection on food and drinks. With a wide array of mainstream, independent and classic films, special events, launches and a diverse calendar of live satellite broadcasts, there is something for everyone at Everyman.

Although the opening faced a pretty uptight delay, moviegoers have been heaping praise on the new cinema, which is currently showing Spider-

Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Little Mermaid, Fast X and more.

The Melville Building has been completely transformed into a cinema

has three screens where people can eat and drink while watching their film, all while relaxing on a comfortable sofa.

The boutique cinema chain is in the Grade I listed Melville building and inside it will consist of three screens, all fitted with Everyman's luxurious velvet sofas and armchairs. Each screen will also present up-to-theminute technology for high-quality viewings of blockbuster films, documentaries, and intimate live screenings. Cinema-goers walk across a red carpet and via a ground floor door, near to the Pho restaurant. They then take the stairs or a lift to the top deck where they enter a lounge and bar and can buy tickets from one of three cinema 'pods'. Each screen can hold upto 100 people, sitting on sofas, one to three seaters, where they will be able to eat while watching a movie.

Everyman is best known for its unique designs and interiors close to royalty, right from its 'next level' customer service in a stylish setting.

This opening marks the arrival of Everyman - which is an independent network of boutique cinemas - to the Southwest. And it couldn't be a better setting; surrounded by the sea and spoilt for choice on the places to eat, drink and stay. Already a hugely popular destination, Royal William

Yard now seems to become the place for leisure, with a huge room to explore.

Moviegoers will be offered a food and drink menu with items available to be ordered and served directly to their seat by Everyman's staff. The company said customers can choose hand-stretched pizzas and small plates, from salt and pepper squid to buttermilk chicken.

There will also be a range of plantbased dishes, including pizza topped with chargrilled artichoke, sun dried tomato and plant-based mozzarella. The cinema will also serve a range of burgers from Everyman's exclusive Spielburger offering, including a house beef burger, shrimp and avocado patty and vegan 'cheeseburger'.

There will also be a range of milkshakes, freshly baked cookie

dough and even the option to build your own sundae. The new venue will also be operating a full bar, with speciality wine and beer, cocktails and alcohol-free drinks 'to make for a decadent evening without the hangover'.

EVERYMAN SALISBURY

Everyman officially announced the launch of its 40th venue, which is due to open in Wiltshire this spring. The original screen has also been brought back to life, and visitors can sit on comfortable yet grand sofas to enjoy films. The building was previously a cinema in the 1930s, and now the cinema has been revived in a city after more than 50 years, to buck the postpandemic closure trend.

The former Regal cinema re-opened as an Everyman in Salisbury recently. The former brand originally opened in 1936, but it was closed and converted into a bingo hall in 1969. The bingo hall then closed in 2021 due to the pandemic, before plans to return the building to its silver screen origins took shape. The original screen has also been brought back to life, and visitors can sit on comfortable yet grand sofas to enjoy films.

So the whole experience, from the moment you step through the door, to coming to your comfy sofa to having your order taken at your sofa -

the full bar, the food offering, and then you can kick back and relax and enjoy the feature film. "We feel that Salisbury is a great venue for us and we're delighted to bring this old cinema back to life."

The Endless Street building was previously a cinema in the 1930s, and Everyman Cinemas told that it was 'proud to honour these historic roots with its innovative and redefined cinema experience.'

Everyman stated that it was a moment of pride for them to honour these historic roots with its innovative and redefined cinema experience as known of the building to be yet another cinema back in the early 30's.

The cinema will include more than 300 seats of plush velvet sofas and armchairs spread across four screens for ultimate comfort. Foods available will include hand-stretched pizzas, premium burgers, small plates of hot honey halloumi, tempura prawns and a range of vegan dishes, which customers can order directly to their seats. The cinema is located in the very heart of the Salisbury city centre in the former Buzz Bingo Hall. Each screen will also present state-of-theart technology for high-quality viewings of a variety of blockbuster films, documentaries and live screenings.

The team from the cinema chain said, "Everyman prides itself on providing an elevated cinema experience from start to finish, and the new Salisbury venue is no exception. You'll also be able to choose from the range of premium burgers from Everyman's exclusive Spielburger offering which includes the bacon, cheese and harissa '1216', the Shrimp and Avocado patty and Vegan Cheeseburger." Added the team. This can all be ordered and served directly to your seat.

The new venue will also be operating a full bar, with speciality wine and beer, cocktails and a range of alcoholfree drinks to make for a decadent evening without the hangover. There will also be a range of milkshakes, freshly baked cookie dough and even the option to build your own sundae.

Everyman Salisbury also presents an exclusive Founder Membership offer,

available for a limited time. Founder Members at Salisbury will receive complimentary popcorn for their first year, plus a unique Founder Members card that isn't available anywhere else.

EVERYMAN NORTHALLERTON

The 39th venue of the brand was recently introduced as a part of the Treadmills expansion. The Treadmills site is just 100 metres from the town's High Street and has been transformed into a thriving multipurpose development. The town is already home to key high street retailers, restaurants and bars as it has been solidified as a vibrant and affluent area. It promises a redefined cinema experience; the cinema will consist of four extensive screens and

274 seats, all fitted with Everyman's velvet sofas and armchairs for comfortable seating and will provide customers a high quality and unique experience.

Those who choose to become an EVERYWHERE member will also receive six bottles of Everyman's favourite wines including Whispering Angel, Albariño Serra Da Estrela, and Malbec Norton Finca La Colonia.

Each screen will also present state of the art technology for high quality viewings of a variety of films, documentaries and live screenings. Guests will also get the privilege of an extensive selection of food and drink menu, all available to be ordered and served directly to your seat by Everyman's staff. Everyman is also arriving in new towns and cities across the UK over the coming months and years.

GV Bugis+ Singapore: Cinematic Treat for the Senses!!!

The brand-new multiplex features stunning interior design, state-of-the-art laser cinema projection, luxurious yet affordable Gold Class Express halls, and a never-before-seen dining experience named AZUL, inspired by the festive and feisty flavours of Spanish and Mexican cuisine; promising a whole host of new experiences designed to excite and indulge one's senses. The new property will feature two brand new Gold Class Express halls for the first time ever within one multiplex. Counting this as the 15th outlet at Bugis+, the brand hopes to redefine the moviegoing experience for its much-awaited patrons….

Known for the plethora of trendy streetwear and affordable knickknacks, the exciting haven of teens, young adults and families welcomes a

brand new Golden Village at Bugis+ Officially having opened its doors this year and located on Level 5, GV Bugis+ promises a whole host of new experiences designed to excite and indulge one's senses. Surrounded by a mixture of educational and commercial environments located at the heart of Singapore, GV Bugis+ has taken immense care to ensure that the interior was designed to be both refreshing and exciting. Intended to create a joyful and welcoming atmosphere, the new multiplex boasts modern elements including a stunning dome gesture centrepiece housing

the ceiling of the cinema atrium. At the two sides of the lobby, the continuous die-cut panels provide an eye-catching design element as it leads patrons from the lobby escalator up into the movie halls. From the atrium, patrons will also be able to spot the horizontal blue lounge that spans along the length of the second floor that houses brand new dining concept, AZUL, meaning blue in Spanish. The blue space from the layer arch ceiling filled with carefully selected furniture creates a perfect contrast with the grey monotone of the passageway, portraying the imaginative and energetic ambience of the new location.

The house corridor holds contouring gesture walls leading to a total of eight spacious halls, featuring comfortable plush seats and state-ofthe-art Barco cinema laser projection system which delivers consistent, sharp image quality over time and features better colour quality.

Said GV CEO Clara Cheo: "Bugis is an exciting place to be and we are delighted to offer a new cinema that is

refreshing and at the forefront of innovating what it means to go to the movies. From the careful attention given to the interiors and the new menu at AZUL, we hope that we are able to offer more than just a moviegoing experience. GV Bugis+ has the ability to transform into a place where young adults can find a comfortable place to catch-up with friends or where families can get together for parties and celebrations,".

Following the success of the first Gold Class Express cinema hall at GV Funan, GV Bugis+ will feature two brand new Gold Class Express halls for the first time ever within one multiplex. Offering more seats in each with 40 seats per hall (up from 32 seats at GV Funan) including the option of single seating for those looking to enjoy much-needed space, GV continues to fulfil the promise to offer patrons 'More Than Just A

Movie'. The Gold Class Express halls provide a gateway to a premium moviegoing experience at an affordable price.

Presenting the pinnacle of comfort with leatherette electronic recliner seats that features a leg rest that can be adjusted to 90 degrees, Gold Class Express patrons can order their food and drinks conveniently with the iGV mobile app. Each seat comes with its own USB charging port, intended to provide that fuss-free and luxurious experience that GV Gold Class is known for.

Inspired by the festive and feisty flavours of Spanish and Mexican cuisine, AZUL is a never-before-seen dining experience in a cinema. For the first time ever, GV Bugis+ offers an extensive menu spanning the classics like Gazpacho, a refreshing and cold soup made from blended raw vegetables, Patatas Bravas (Spanish spicy potatoes) and Chorizo Frito (Chorizo sausages). AZUL will excite the taste buds of those looking for a culinary delight.

GV Bugis+ will also be featuring special appearances by 987 Radio DJs, along with cosplayers of Demon Slayer, one of the top-rated animations to-date, and a K-POP Random Play Dance that will be open to the public. Public can also capture moments of their eventful day by bringing home a photo strip taken at the photo-booth.

Elevating the Moviegoing Experience

With the opening of the 15th outlet at Bugis+, Golden Village hopes to redefine the moviegoing experience. By bringing in the Gold Class Express experience to more cinemas around the island, GV provides an accessible option for a luxurious movie experience and one that will not be easily forgotten. A stellar blockbuster lineup awaits movie fans in 2023 and anticipated titles like the live-action adaptation of The Super Mario Bros. Movie recently had its opening in April and Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 in May. GV is also looking forward to Fast X and Disney's The Little Mermaid in May and the latest instalment of the Transformers series in June with titles such as The Flash, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and the new Mission: Impossible

Patrons can be rest assured that there will be more options available when deciding where to watch their next movie. Beyond blockbusters, Golden Village Multiplex will also continue to offer a comprehensive selection of alternative content to cater to a diverse range of audiences. In March 2023, GV will be bringing in the musical adaption of the classic novel, "The Sorrows of Young Werther", starring Kyuhyun from popular K-POP band Super Junior in the title role of Werther. Alongside that, GV will also be holding exclusive and limited screenings of WINNER 2022 Concert The Circle: The Movie featuring South Korean boyband, WINNER.

QFX Cinemas:

Redefining Movie-Watching Culture in Nepal

The increasing demand for more from a single entertainment centre has motivated more cinema industry businesses to step up their game and take their operations to the next level. QFX Cinemas, located in Kathmandu- the Capital of Nepal, is on a mission to introduce these luxuries to its residents! In addition to a cosy atmosphere, comfortable sitting arrangements, dazzling theatres, appetising snacks, and a super-premium moviewatching experience.

Started in 2001 with a motto to provide modern and state-of-the-art projection management as a start-up, QFX has come a long way and is ahead of its times. The venture has revolutionised the customer experience in Nepal's movie-watching sector and transformed mere moviewatching into a high-class living and

entertainment experience. Film watching has now become a selfrewarding activity, with QFX Cinemas setting up the most favourable ambience and atmosphere.

A theatre brand that began its operation as a franchise in a single location has now reached 11+ locations with 31+ multiplex movie

screens, including two more opening up in September 2023, covering major geographic regions. QFX Cinemas features world-class auditoriums with the latest movie exhibition technologies, with current total capacity of 5,962 seats- it's safe to say that QFX is an established entertainment business leader in this Himalayan region.

In its 20+ years of experience in the cinema business, the company has already established its market credibility as well as set up an avenue for other new ventures entering the sector, making the entertainment industry a thriving one. While the company has become a household name for movie lovers, it currently accounts for as much as 40 percent or more of the revenue generated from the movie-watching segment.

It's the blending of modern management systems, investment in human resources, continued

innovative efforts, robust complaint handling and management systems, focus on system and process optimisation, adoption of timely as well as sophisticated technology, and commitment to the international-level movie-watching experience that have paid it off jointly.

QFX is the first company to introduce the latest visual technology, offering outstanding picture quality and the first of its kind in 4K projection in Nepal. It is also the first to offer the first 3D screen with Depth Q 3D technology to deliver better luminosity, clarity, and vivid picture quality.

Keeping its cravings for innovation alive, the company has also deployed the Dolby Atmos system, a work of art that makes audiences feel they are virtually inside the movie they watch at its various QFX locations.

Convenience for the audience has always been of the utmost priority for QFX Cinemas. In a bid to ensure the Nepali population a hassle-free and convenient movie-watching

experience, the company introduced online booking as well as e-ticketing to revolutionise the customer experience in 2014 for the first time in Nepal. Through this system, audiences can book their tickets from wherever they are, using a wide range of payment gateways and at affordable prices!

Keeping customers at the centre and trying to diversify business portfolios at the same time, the company set up a new affiliate venture named Fresh Food Centre. Through this affiliate, it has been catering to the needs of mouth-watering food and beverages for movie lovers in all of its QFX multiplexes.

A web-based loyalty programme called ‘Goji’ was introduced in order to show

the company's appreciation for its clients and to give them rewards. However, 'Goji' is now upgraded to 'Club QFX', a robust loyalty program that serves as a point-based reward system where customers can earn and redeem points conveniently in any of the QFX locations.

All these timely efforts and acts of innovation have now turned QFX into a fully-grown industry leader as well as a business conglomerate with investments in diverse sectors. They are also planning to set up affordable cinemas in smaller cities and towns. With the aspiration to become an international cinema business company, QFX also looks forward to collaborating with businesses in Northern India and the broader South Asia region.

"The vision of QFX Cinemas is not only to bring high quality cinemaswatching experience but also to create a template for entrepreneurship in Nepal which grooms talents for modern management utilising the great diversity that we have within this country. We are a modern but essentially Nepali company that reflect the people that make up young and confident Nepal.”

– Bhaskar Dhungana, Managing Director, QFX Cinemas

WTC

Cinemas:

Megaplexes Taking Charge!!!

‘In line with its mission’, this is the intent of the mega-chain. A cinema mogul, who developed the chain of cinemas that actually happened to transform the moviegoing experience in Mexico in 1995, who is now the CEO of this brand today that has built its first multiplex. With this launch, the cinema branch signals the Mexican film industry’s revival.

Christie has announced that the Cinemas WTC (Cinemas World Theatre Concepts) a new multiplex in Mexico City with 14 screens, has installed its cinema projectors ranging from 8,000 to 22, 000 lumens. Christie integrator T&T Cinema carried out the installation.

Cinemas WTC is equipped with 5.1 surround sound and 14 screens measuring 26x10 metres wide (85 x 32 feet), which are among the largest in Mexico. Five of the audis are VIP, and the remaining nine are standard. Totalling more than 2,000 reclining seats in a stadium-style, the multiplex features visibility from every seat.

Miguel Angel Dávila, who developed the chain of movie theatres that transformed the moviegoing experience in Mexico in 1995, is the CEO of Cinemas World Theatre Concepts, a new firm that has just built its first multiplex. The launch of Cinemas WTC, an independent portal, signals the Mexican film industry's revival. Its strategy invites audiences to view films as they were intended to be seen, in line with its mission. The team behind Cinemas WTC emphasised on creating a service-based strategy. As stated by Miguel Angel Davila, president and founding partner of Cinemas WTC, "taking care of the most basic things, but at the same time the most difficult and important: quality in projection and clear and bright audio, comfort and cleanliness, fresh food and drinks, and always being greeted with a smile, to live a great experience that could not be replicated at home."

It's well-known that Christie's projectors are the most dependable

and cutting-edge in the industry, Miguel Angel Dávila says that Christie has been the new complex's primary supplier for the projection systems. "Christie cinema projectors offer breathtakingly lifelike colours, excellent image sharpness and quality, and unmatched brightness that allows us to deliver the best viewing experience to our audiences," says the company. Miguel explains, "We were impressed with how user-friendly and simple to set up and maintain these projectors are. Christie has provided us with outstanding service and support. Without a doubt, they have proven to be a very important business partner and we look forward to continuing to use their solutions for the rest of our venues." He adds, "Both businesses [Christie and T&T Cinema] as well as our crew have always made sure that our audience has an incredibly pleasant cinematic experience."

Ernesto Armus, General Manager, Christie Mexico, says: "It gives us great satisfaction that Miguel Ángel

Dávila, who revolutionised the cinema industry in our country, relied on Christie to launch this new project that focuses on quality and cuttingedge technology. We hope to work with him on many more cinemas and help him to elevate the experience of going to the movies. We also want to thank our partner T&T Cinema for its excellence in the integration of this project."

This is the first multiplex opened by Cinemas World Theatre Concepts, a new firm directed by Miguel Angel Dávila, who developed the movie theatre chain that revolutionised the moviegoing experience in Mexico in 1995. Cinemas WTC is an independent site, and its inauguration heralds the rebirth of Mexico's cinema industry. Its approach encourages people to see movies as they should be watched, in accordance with the company's objective. The Cinemas WTC team has concentrated on developing a service-based strategy.

Omniplex Cinema, Ireland: Lap of Luxury for Drogheda

Featuring its new all-laser projection, the cinema group has opened its latest property in Scotch Hall, Drogheda, Ireland. The 6-screen cinema has luxurious recliner seats and double sofa-beds in every auditorium, along with regular seating which is set to provide its patrons, an access to world class cinema experience for many years to come...

Ever heard of Recliners and double sofa beds in every auditorium?? The wait is now over for cinema-lovers as Omniplex Cinema Group has opened its new all-laser projection cinema in Scotch Hall, Drogheda. With moviefans flocking to films like Barbie, Oppenheimer and now Drogheda director Baz Black's debut 'Dublin Crust', the six-screen cinema features luxurious recliners and double sofabeds in every auditorium, alongside regular seating and will provide cinema lovers in Louth, a beyond access to world class cinema experience for many years to come.

Omniplex Cinema Drogheda - Boyne Centre is a modern, centrally located 4-screen cinema in Drogheda showing the latest movies. Features include D'LUXX Recline seats in all

auditoriums, wheelchair accessibility, fresh popcorn made on-site, assigned seating, kiosks and collection, and more.

"Visitors to Scotch Hall will finally be able to enjoy cinema! We are delighted to be able to deliver our newest 'all laser' projection cinema for the local community in Drogheda and beyond," says Mark Anderson, Director of Omniplex Cinemas.

"Along with our four-Screen cinema in Boyne Centre, cinemagoers in Drogheda can now expect to see a much wider choice of films than was previously possible."

Scotch Hall is the fourth brand-new cinema opened by Omniplex Cinema Group this year, including similar fivescreen multiplexes in Ballinasloe and Mullingar as well as 'The Avenue Cinema', a nine-screen luxury cinema in Belfast complete with in-seat dining and bar service. Fully Irish-owned, Omniplex is the largest cinema

What is Omniplex D'LUXX?

Omniplex D'LUXX, the latest brand in the Omniplex Cinema Group, offers a cinema experience like no other. Our D'LUXX Cinemas play homage to the Hollywood era with a luxury 1920's décor and feel. In addition to style and comfort, D'LUXX offers all the modern amenities that makes for a truly immersive viewing experience, with the latest in cinema sound and image technology.

Recline & Relax

Omniplex D'LUXX offers fully electric reclining seats as standard in all screens. Recline and enjoy extra legroom with every seat, ensuring the ultimate comfort during your favourite movies.

Sound & Image

All Omniplex locations boast the latest in projection and digital sound technology, and D'LUXX cinemas are no different. With crystal clear laser projection and the latest Dolby Digital Sound technology, there is no better way to enjoy the latest blockbuster!

Click & Collect

With your convenience in mind, a 'Click and Collect' service is available across all our locations, allowing you to pre-book tickets and treats easily online or at a kiosk in our cinema foyers. Simply check-in on arrival and collect on your way to the screens.

company operating on the island of Ireland, with over 280 screens in 38 locations.

The Omniplex cinema group, which is managed by the Anderson family, completed its acquisition of Scotch Hall Shopping Centre in early February this year. The project has been their number one priority until its successful completion.

Event Cinemas, Queensland: Australia's First 270° Cinema

Call it cinema, the movies, the pictures, the big screen, the silver screen, a glorious excuse to sit in a darkened room without your phone for at least 90 minutes: there is just something about the big screens that is unmatchable. And what more, the experience just gets better each time. Featuring Australia's first-ever surround-screen viewing experience, which'll use three screens within one movie theatre. Catch a film in this new multi-projection format, which is making its Australian debut on the Gold Coast and you'll have a 270-degree field of view…

Event Cinemas, a part of Australia's well renowned EVT group, operating cinemas, hotels, restaurants and resorts in Australia, New Zealand and Germany. As sources state, EVT owns the largest cinema chains in Australia and New Zealand. Its cinema brands include Event Cinemas, BCC, CineStar, Greater Union, GU Film House, Moonlight Cinema, and the Sydney State Theatre, etc,.

And the latest in trend brought by the cinemas is the ScreenX; a revolutionary way to experience blockbusters on the big screen, which is debuting at Event Cinemas. In the

chain's ScreenX's auditoriums, there'll be a trio of screens: one right there at the front where it usually is, plus one over the left wall and another across

the right wall. Three walls, three screens, a 270-degree field of view: that's the maths. ScreenX premiered on the Gold Coast, launching at Event Cinemas Robina; however, is just the beginning of the rollout.

Event Cinemas plans to take the concept nationwide, including hitting Sydney by the year end. The exact details of which other sites will be scoring the ScreenX experience, and when, haven't yet been revealed - but only peering forwards is about to become outdated.

Addressing the first question on how big this three-screen setup gets, the

answer is up to 67.7 metres in width. The surround-screen format truly gravitates all the patron's senses. And while they watch, they'll be seated on the best-in-class recliners to get as comfortable as possible.

Another burning query is on the content - aka which flicks will make you feel like you've walked right into themthe response there is: big blockbusters and epic spectacles. Among the upcoming slate of releases, Dune: Part Two, The Marvels and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom are all getting the ScreenX treatment at Robina. The cinema is also looking backwards, too - not literally, just into past hits - with Top Gun: Maverick, Avatar: The Way of Water, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

"At Event Cinemas, we are dedicated to bringing the best range of cinema experiences to Australian audiences. ScreenX is popular globally and we can't wait for our local audiences to experience it. Our next stop will be Sydney," said Luke Mackey, Director of Entertainment Australia for EVT (owns Event Cinemas), announcing ScreenX.

"We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Event Cinemas by premiering Australia's first ScreenX experience," added Don Savant, ScreenX's Chief Business Officer.

"Our talented team of ScreenX visual effects artists work closely with the Hollywood studios and top talent to truly differentiate moviegoing. ScreenX provides an unparalleled experience in a completely unique format to watch the biggest blockbuster films."

If there are three giant screens showing each movie in every ScreenX auditorium, patrons will have no excuse not to put their own tiny screen - aka their phone - away while the film plays.

Other Formats in Store:

Event Gold Class

Add a little extra class to your movie experience, with the laid back luxury of Event Gold Class. Every Gold Class auditorium features an intimate setting for no more than 30-40 people, making every seat literally the 'best in the house'. You can relax in luxurious full reclining armchairs plus enjoy full on-call waiter service, featuring a comprehensive food and beverage menu, delivered direct to your seat, before and throughout the movie.

Event V-Max

V-Max offers customers a big screen, high-quality movie experience that gives maximum impact to anything from the latest digital 3D movies to your favourite big-budget blockbuster. Every V-Max auditorium features new ultra-comfortable stadium-style seating, thousands of watts of powerful digital surround

sound and the latest state-of-the-art 20m digital screens.

Event Boutique

See it with Style. An intimate cinema with a boutique vibe. Individually themed theatres, bespoke menus, Designer boutique recliners with footrest, service at your seat and the best cinema sound and picture.

Event 4DX

Plunge into the life-like experience. Be shaken to the core by the 4DX cinema experience. Motion. Atmospherics. Multi-sensory stimulation. Get ready for the cinema experience that puts you at the heart of the action. Buckle up!

Event Junior

Specially designed for kids eight years and younger, this fun experience has a 10-minute intermission and a playground designed in collaboration with children.

IMAX

Exclusive to Event Cinemas Queen Street, IMAX is the largest screen in New Zealand and offers the most immersive moviegoing experience in the world. Using precision laser technology, it creates the sharpest, brightest & clearest digital images that make every movie feel like magic.

Original

The OG experience delivers everything you enjoy about the cinema, making it a great value escape from the everyday.

8-9 August 2023 | Chennai, India

The sixth edition of the international trade show Big Cine Expo took place in Chennai, India as the second half of 2023 draws to a close, bringing the cinema industry together. This one-ofa-kind and exclusive event creates yet another interactive platform that once again gives rise to single-screen theatres, multiplex theatres, B2B stakeholders of the film industry, and entertainment! It is the only cinema exhibition market in Asia and India to bring technology and advancements in the cinema industry to one place!

India is a developing nation with one of the largest entertainment industries in the world. In terms of magnitude, the Indian film industry is only surpassed by Hollywood. The largest market for film exhibition in India is South India, which has the most movie

Highlights:

PANEL DISCUSSIONS:

theatres and new releases. Due to the untapped potential of the movie theatre sector in India and other Asian nations, there is a tremendous demand for technical expertise and equipment.

This two-day event includes a trade show, seminars, panel discussions, special events, movie screenings, networking opportunities, B2B meetings, and an array of product displays, demos, and presentations!

Panellists:

Aashish Singh, Aashish Singh, ProducerConsultant, Lyca Productions

Ankur Roongta, Ankur Roongta, Managing Director, Roongta Cinemas

Neeraj Goswamy, Neeraj Sr. VPWorldwide Theatrical Distribution, Viacom18 Studios

Preetham Daniel, Daniel, Preetham Daniel, Daniel, Preetham Daniel, VP - Theatre Development (India, SE Asia, Aus & NZ), IMAX

Vishesh Bhatt, Vishesh Vishesh Bhatt, Vishesh Film Producer, Director, Screenwriter, Vishesh Films

Moderator: Moderator: Moderator: Moderator: Moderator:

Karan T Karan T Taurani, aurani, aurani, aurani, Senior Vice President - Research Analyst, Elara Capital

Friedrich Deininger, Friedrich Deininger, Friedrich Deininger, Friedrich Deininger, Friedrich Sr. Director

Cinema and Partner Management

EMEA and India, Dolby Laboratories

Jaiswin T Jayan, Jaiswin T Jayan, Jaiswin T Jayan, Jaiswin T Jayan, Proprietor, Jaithra Cinemas & Entertainments

Jitender V Jitender V Jitender V Jitender V Verma, erma, erma, Chief Information Officer, PVR INOX

Panellists: Panellists: Panellists: Panellists:

Alain Chamaillard, Alain Chamaillard, Alain Chamaillard, Alain Chamaillard, Alain Head of Cinema EMEA & CIS, Sharp NEC

Rahul Dhyani, Rahul Dhyani, Rahul Dhyani, Rahul Dhyani, Dhyani, Co-Founder & Director, The CONNPLEX Smart Theaters

Moderator: Moderator:

Akshaye Rathi, Akshaye Akshaye Director, Aashirwad Theatres

Panellists: Panellists:

Joyson, Joyson, Joyson, Joyson, Head - Distribution and Programming, AGS Cinemas

EVENT CALENDER 2023

3-6 OCTOBER EXPOCINE SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL www.expocine.com.br

23-26 OCTOBER SHOWEAST FLORIDA, USA www.showeast.com

31 OCT - 2 NOV AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL MOVIE CONVENTION GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA www.movieconvention.com.au

7-8 NOVEMBER META CINEMA FORUM DUBAI, UAE www.menacinema.com

4-7 DECEMBER CINEASIA BANGKOK, THAILAND www.cineasia.com

2024

8-11 APRIL CINEMACON LAS VEGAS, USA www.cinemacon.com

17-20 JUNE CINEEUROPE BARCELONA, SPAIN www.cineeurope.net

27-28 AUGUST BIG CINE EXPO MUMBAI, INDIA www.bigcineexpo.com

SEPTEMBER KINO EXPO ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA www.kinoexpo.ru

Mukesh Mehta, Mukesh Mehta, CEO, E4 Entertainment

Satadeep Saha, Satadeep Saha, Saha, Director, SSR Cinemas, West Bengal

S S S S aurabh V aurabh Varma, arma, arma, arma, Chief Creative Officer & Filmmaker, Content Engineers

Moderator: Moderator: Moderator: Moderator: Moderator:

Sreedhar Pillai, Sreedhar Sreedhar Pillai, Sreedhar Trade and Entertainment Industry Analyst

Panellists: Panellists: Panellists: Panellists:

Ar. Amita Gore, Ar. Amita Gore, Ar. Amita Gore, Ar. Amita Gore, Gore, Partner, PGAG Architects

D. Balamurali (IAS), D. Balamurali (IAS), D. Balamurali (IAS), D. Balamurali (IAS), D. Balamurali Regional Officer, Central Board of Film Certification, Chennai

Devang Sampat, Devang Sampat, Devang Sampat, Devang Sampat, Sampat, CEO, Cinépolis India

Mani Ratnam, Mani Mani Ratnam, Mani Film Director, Producer and Screenwriter

Senthil Kumar, Senthil Kumar, Senthil Kumar, Senthil Kumar, Senthil Co-founder, Qube Cinema

Moderator: Moderator: Moderator: Moderator: Moderator: Manoj Madhavan, Manoj Manoj Madhavan, Manoj Editor, Broadcast and Film Media.

Panellists: Panellists:

Amit Kumar Sharma, Amit Kumar Sharma, Amit Kumar Sharma, Amit Kumar Sharma, Amit Kumar Sharma, Managing Director, Miraj Entertainment

Han Kim, Han Kim, Executive Director, Cinema, Asia Pacific, Christie

Digital

Henry Noel, Henry Noel, Henry Noel, Henry Noel, Director, Business Development- Cinema, AsiaPacific, HARMAN Singapore

Satwik Lele, Satwik Lele, Satwik Lele, Satwik Lele, COO, Mukta A2 Cinemas

Moderator: Moderator:

Akshaye Rathi Akshaye Akshaye Director, Aashirwad Theatres

PRESENTATIONS:

Presenter: Presenter: Presenter: Presenter: Presenter: Brian Claypool, Executive Vice President - Cinema Division, Christie Digital

Kunal Sawhney, Kunal Sawhney, Kunal Sawhney, Kunal Sawhney, Sawhney, COO, MovieMax Cinemas

A Special Screening of: A Screening of: A Special Screening of: A Screening of: Screening

Meg 2: 2: The Trench

Directed by by Directed by by by Ben Wheatley

St St arring arring arring arring - Jason Statham, Wu Jing, Sophia Cai, Page Kennedy

Presenter:

Vikas Lokhande, Vikas Lokhande, Chief General Manager - Marketing & Strategy, Khushi Advertising

Gautam Gulati, Gulati, Gautam Gulati, Gulati, Gulati, CEO, Screenox

Presenter: Presenter: Presenter: Presenter: Presenter: Siranush Whyte, Siranush Whyte, Siranush Whyte, Siranush Whyte, General Manager - Business Development, Galalite Screens

Jiya Grover, Jiya Grover, Jiya Marketing, Galalite Screens

•India's Top Multiplex Chain Of The Year

•Best Multiplex Theatre Of The Year - Roongt Roongt Roongt Roongt a Cinemas (Surat), a Cinemas (Surat), a Cinemas (Surat), a Cinemas (Surat), Cinemas Mukta A2 Cinemas (Ahmedabad) Mukta Cinemas (Ahmedabad) Mukta A2 Cinemas (Ahmedabad) Mukta Cinemas (Ahmedabad) Mukta A2 Cinemas (Ahmedabad) & Moviemax (Noida) & Moviemax (Noida)

•Best Single-Screen Theatre Of The Year - W W Woodlands Cinemas, oodlands Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai

•Best Technology Adopter Of The Year- Broadway Cinemas, Broadway Cinemas, Coimbatore Coimbatore Coimbatore Coimbatore

•Innovative Technology Of The Year - Ampli X - Joint Developed By Ampli X - Joint Developed By Pulz & P Pulz Pulz & P Pulz Pulz &

•Emerging Cinema Chain Of The Year - Asian Cinemas Asian Cinemas Asian Cinemas Asian Cinemas

•Fastest Growing Cinema Chain Of The Year - Miraj Cinemas Cinemas

•Most Trusted Brand Of The YearQube Wire Qube Wire

•Special Achievement AwardShri. Akkineni Ramesh Prasad Shri. Akkineni Ramesh

ShowEast continues to bring executives together from across the country with one goal in mindCreate the best movie experience possible!

Dubbed, "the film convention", ShowEast features a range of exclusive product presentations and screenings from both Independent and Major Hollywood studios to help you make important programming decisions for the 4th quarter box office.

Powerhouse seminars offer valuable insight from top executives on the latest industry trends and concerns; while our EXPO SHOWCASE experience offers delegates a glance at the latest and best technologies, entertainment, services, comforts,

23-26 October 2023

Miami, Florida

and conveniences to make their theatres must-attend destinations.

ShowEast's International content draws a large contingency of Latin and South American delegates - more than any other convention of its kind. Our inclusive programming has the latest content and concerns within the Americas.

ShowEast features a range of exclusive product presentations and screenings from Independent and Major Hollywood studios to help you make important programming decisions for the 4th quarter box office. ShowEast's International program offers 2 days of dedicated content for the region and draws a large contingency of global delegatesmany from Latin and South Americamore than any other convention of its kind.

HIGHLIGHTS:

•Studio Presentations

•Keynote Address

•Panel Discussions

•Dine-In Screenings

AWARD PRESENTATIONS:

•Dan Fellman Show "E" Award

•Al Shapiro Distinguished Service Award- Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore

•Salah M. Hassanein

Humanitarian Award- Ron Krueger, Santikos

Entertainment

•Bingham Ray Spirit AwardFrank Rodriguez, Searchlight

Pictures

•NAC ICON Awards- Shelly Olesen, C Cretors & Co.

F U T U R E R E L E S E S A

A glimpse of movies coming soon…

Dumb Money

Production

Sony Pictures Director

Craig Gillespie

Starring

Shailene Woodley, Paul Dano

Genre

Comedy, Drama,

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie

Production

Paramount Pictures Director

Cal Brunker

Starring

Taraji P. Henson, Kristen Bell, Genre

Adventure, Sequel

The Creator

Production

20th Century Studios Director

Gareth Edwards

Starring

John D Washington, Danny McBride

Genre Action, Sci-Fi

The Kill Room

Production

Shout! Studios Director

Nicol Paone

Starring

Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Genre

Crime, Thriller

Saw X

Production

Lionsgate Director

Kevin Greutert

Starring

Tobin Bell, Steven Brand

Genre

Horror, Suspense

The Burial

Production

Maven Pictures Director

Maggie Betts

Starring

Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones

Genre

Drama, True Story

The Exorcist: Believer

Production

Universal Pictures Director

David Gordon Green

Starring

Ellen Burstyn, Leslie Odom Jr.,

Genre

Horror, Reboot

Freelance

Production

AGC Studios Director

Pierre Morel

Starring

John Cena, Juan Pablo Raba

Genre

Action, Comedy

The Marsh King's Daughter

Production

Black Bear Pictures Director

Morten Tyldum

Starring

Daisy Ridley, Garrett Hedlund

Genre

Thriller, Adaptation

What Happens Later

Production

Bleecker Street Director

Meg Ryan

Starring

Meg Ryan, David Duchovny

Genre

Comedy, Romance

Ordinary Angels

Production

Lionsgate Director

Jon Gunn

Starring

Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson

Genre

Drama, Faith

Killers of the Flower Moon

Production

Paramount Pictures Director

Martin Scorsese

Starring

Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro

Genre

Crime, Drama

The Post

Production

Amazon Studios Director

Garth Davis

Starring

Paul Mescal, Aaron Pierre

Genre

Drama, Thriller

Production

LAMA Distribution Director

Justin Hunt

Starring

Angus Benfield

Genre

Drama, Thriller

Foe

Five Nights at Freddy's

Production

Universal Pictures

Director

Emma Tammi

Starring

Matthew Lillard, Josh Hutcherson

Genre

Horror, Thriller

Sight

Production

Briarcliff Entert.

Director

Andrew Hyatt

Starring

Ben Wang, Greg Kinnear

Genre

Drama, Historical

Journey to Bethlehem

Production

Sony Pictures

Director

Adam Anders

Starring

Fiona Palomo, Milo Manheim

Genre

Drama, Musical

The Great Turkey Town Miracle

Production

LAMA Distribution

Director

Angus Benfield

Starring

Cameron Arnett, Corey Cannon

Genre

Drama

Trolls Band Together

Production

Universal Pictures

Director Walt Dohrn

Starring

Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake

Genre

Adventure, Family

Thanksgiving

Production

TriStar Pictures

Director

Eli Roth

Starring

Patrick Dempsey, Nell Verlaque

Genre

Horror, Suspense

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Production

Lionsgate

Director

Francis Lawrence

Starring

Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler

Genre

Action, Adventure

Next Goal Wins

Production

Searchlight Pictures

Director

Taika Waititi

Starring

Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley

Genre

Comedy, Drama

Wish

Production

Walt Disney Studios Director

Karen Disher

Starring

Ariana DeBose, Alan Tudyk

Genre

Adventure, Family

Napoleon

Production

Apple Original Films Director

Ridely Scott

Starring

Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby

Genre

Drama, Historical

Mission Raniganj

Production

Pooja Entertainment Director

Tinu Suresh Desai

Starring

Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra

Genre

Drama

Tiger Nageswara Rao

Production

Abhishek Agarwal

Arts Director

Vamsee

Starring

Ravi Teja, Nupur Sanon

Genre

Drama, Action

Leo

Production

Seven Screen Studio Director

Lokesh Kanagaraj

Starring

Vijay, Trisha, Sanjay Dutt

Genre

Action

Tiger 3

Production

Yash Raj Films Director

Maneesh Sharma

Starring

Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif

Genre Action, Thriller

Emergency Ganapath - Part 1

Production

Pooja Entertainment Director

Vikas Bahl

Starring

Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon

Genre Action, Sports

Production

Manikarnika Films Director

Kangana Ranaut

Starring

Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher

Genre

Drama, Period