VOX Cinemas is proud to report that “Bergen” has broken box-office records to become the most successful Turkish movie in the Middle East. The powerful biopic debuted in cinemas on 16 June and, in what is considered an exception in the film industry, enjoyed a significant second and third week increase in admissions with more than 107,000 ticket sales during its third week versus just over 15,000 during its opening week.

Over five weeks, “Bergen” has amassed 371,824 admissions across eight markets and also made history as the first ever Turkish movie to be release in Saudi Arabia.

“Turkish cinema has a rich history with a bright and creative community of talent and, in recent years, it has been flourishing not only the Middle East but also on the international festival circuit” said Toni El Massih, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas. He added, “”Bergen” has really struck a chord with movie-lovers across the region and surpassed all projections, demonstrating the appetite that audiences have for the rich storytelling that Turkey is known for. Cinema is a window into our world and, VOX Cinemas will continue to bring a diverse slate of movies to the big screen so that cinemagoers can connect with stories from around the globe.”

Bergen is the true-life story of the eponymous singer and her transformation from a promising cello player to a world-famous singer. Known as “The Queen of Arabesque”, she garnered a cult following and fought to continue performing despite enduring a violent relationship with her husband. Directed by Caner Alper, “Bergen” stars Farah Zeynep Abdullah in the lead role. It was selected as the opening film at the Turkiye-Germany Film Festival earlier this year, where it received rave reviews.
 
In addition to being the Middle East’s largest and most rapidly growing exhibitor, VOX Cinemas also produces content and operates a large regional film distribution business since 2013. Last year, it distributed more than 150 movies including Al Kameen (The Ambush), which because the most successful Emirati and Arabic-language movie ever in the United Arab Emirates as well as Egyptian movies 200 Geneh, Ashabh Europa and 3arousti.

“Bergen” is currently showing across cinemas in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon, Oman. For more information or to make a booking visit www.voxcinemas.com. 

About Majid Al Futtaim
Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

A remarkable business success story, Majid Al Futtaim started from one man’s vision to transform the face of shopping, entertainment and leisure to ‘create great moments for everyone, every day’. It has since grown into one of the United Arab Emirates’ most respected and successful businesses spanning 17 international markets, employing more than 43,000 people, and obtaining the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately held corporates in the region.

Majid Al Futtaim owns and operates 29 shopping malls, 13 hotels and four mixed-use communities, with further developments underway in the region. The shopping malls portfolio includes Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, Mall of Oman, City Centre malls, My City Centre neighbourhood centres, and five community malls which are in joint venture with the Government of Sharjah. The Company is the exclusive franchisee for Carrefour in over 30 markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, operating a portfolio of more than 400 outlets including City+, the region’s first checkout-free store, and an online store.

Majid Al Futtaim operates more than 600 VOX Cinemas screens as well as a portfolio of world-class leisure and entertainment experiences across the region including Ski Dubai, Ski Egypt, Dreamscape, Magic Planet, Little Explorers and iFLY Dubai. The Company is parent to a Fashion, Home and Specialty retail business representing international brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, AllSaints, lululemon athletica, Crate & Barrel, LEGO and THAT, a Majid Al Futtaim fashion concept store and app. In addition, Majid Al Futtaim operates Enova, a facility and energy management company, through a joint venture operation with Veolia, a global leader in optimised environment resource management.”