First the pyramids, now an IMAX theater in Egypt.
IMAX Corp. announced Tuesday (Jan. 25) that the company has signed an agreement with the leading Egyptian film company Misr International Films, created in 1972 by world renowned Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine, to install the first commercial digital IMAX theatre in Cairo.
It will be part of a new 18-screen multiplex in the City Stars Katamia, which is expected to be East Cairo’s premier shopping and entertainment destination upon completion.
The deal will bring the total number of IMAX theatres scheduled to be operating in Europe, Middle East and Africa (the EMEA region) to 115 by 2014.
“We are committed to leading the exhibition business in Egypt with theatres that offer the best quality presentations, and as such, this IMAX location is what we hope to be one of several IMAX locations for us in Egypt,” said Gabriel Khoury, Managing Director of Misr International Films.
“Misr International Films has a strong connection with moviegoers in Egypt, and we believe that connection, combined with their extensive knowledge of the market, is the perfect way to introduce The IMAX Experience to new audiences in the country,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond.
MIF is a partner in Allied Film Distribution (AFD) which distributes Columbia Pictures, Buena Vista (Walt Disney) and Italia Film.
— By Scott Hettrick