Majid Al Futtaim’s movie theatre division, VOX Cinemas, announced a large slate of Arabic films during the Red Sea International Film Festival, taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Vox has quickly become the Middle East’s largest movie theatre chain, operating 237 screens across 57 locations in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The broad line-up of movies will feature productions from new and established filmmakers from across the region and confirms VOX Cinemas’ commitment to become a major player in Arabic film production.

There is a very logical reason for getting into making and distributing movies as a theatre operator as Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas explained, “Distinctly local productions, particularly in a nascent market like Saudi Arabia, offer an untapped and real opportunity. As the leading cinema company in the region, we are committed to growing a sustainable film industry and believe that establishing a dynamic content ecosystem is integral to achieving this goal.”