News

Actress Yara Shahidi to produce new comedy series

Actress Yara Shahidi is set to produce a new single-camera comedy series “Smoakland” for Freeform via her production company 7th Sun.

Viu launches new Arabic show, ‘Ansaf Majaneen’

One of the hottest new Arabic shows to come to the region is finally on air, with ‘Ansaf Majaneen’ airing now on Viu.

Sky and StudioCanal sign exclusive film rights deal agreement

Sky and StudioCanal agree on a multi-year rights deal valid from 2021. Sky acquires comprehensive linear and on-demand rights and shows future cinema hits from StudioCanal as exclusive pay-TV and streaming premieres in Germany and Austria.

Netflix No. 2 TV Group in Europe in Revenue

The Netflix star just gets brighter. New data from Ampere Analysis reveals that the SVOD behemoth became the second largest TV group in Europe by revenue in 2020. Comcast, through its acquisition of satellite TV operator Sky, is the Euro leader with 12% market share compared to Netflix’s 6.1%.

Serie A details specifics of ‘territorial’ Mena rights tender

Lega Serie A has today (Friday) published its invitation to tender for broadcast rights in the Middle East and North Africa from 2021-22 to 2023-24, offering a region-wide package and individual packages in each country, including Saudi Arabia.

Megogo secures UEFA rights

The online video and TV services provider Megogo has won a tender for the exclusive right to broadcast the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League in Ukraine for the 2021-2024 seasons.

MENA Art grants eight artists film commissions for new series of shorts

A group of eight artists has been selected by the foundation MENA Arts UK to create a series of short films on what unites creatives in turbulent times.

Netflix overtakes ARD to become the second largest TV group in Europe

Netflix is now the second largest TV group in Europe, with no ceiling in sight for the streaming service.

GUY RITCHIE, MIRAMAX AND STX FILMS’ UNTITLED ACTION SPY FILM SET TO BEGIN PRODUCTION IN DOHA, QATAR

Guy Ritchie’s highly anticipated upcoming untitled film will kick off production this Thursday, January 14th in Doha, Qatar and will also shoot in Antalya, Turkey.

‘Scream 5’ starring Sonia Ben Ammar finally has a release date

It has been announced on Twitter that “Scream 5” – officially known as “Scream” – will release in one year’s time, on Jan. 14, 2022.

Egyptian film ‘Tuk-Tuk’ goes international

The Egyptian film “Tuk-Tuk” is set to make its international premiere at France’s Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival on Jan. 29.

Front Row & Muvi Cinemas Launch Saudi Arabia Distribution Venture Front Row Arabia

Nascent theatrical market Saudi Arabia, which saw its first cinemas open back in 2018, is set for a new distribution player to enter the ring after leading MENA distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment teamed with Saudi exhibition outfit Muvi Cinemas to launch a joint venture.

Showmax and CANAL+ announce first Kenyan Original series

Streaming service Showmax is expanding its investment in Africa with its first original Kenyan series and second co-production with global broadcaster CANAL+.

Abu Dhabi Media announces UFC Arabia on STARZPLAY ahead of “Fight Island” Abu Dhabi

Subscribers across MENA can now enjoy UFC live events as well as an extensive Video-on-demand (VOD) Library on STARZPLAY

Serie A international rights ‘attract 14 agency bids’, Mena tender readied

The rights in the Middle East and North Africa were carved out of the 2021-24 tender and an invitation to tender for those rights will be discussed on Thursday ahead of its launch.

Molotov to expand its footprint in Tunisia and other 6 French-speaking African countries

Molotov is willing to expand its footprint this year with a dozen countries on the roadmap.

Saudi Telecom appoints Olayan Alwetaid as group CEO

Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) appointed Olayan Mohammed Alwetaid as the group chief executive officer, starting March 28, 2021.

Netflix’s ‘Lupin’ Becomes First French Series To Debut On Streamer’s U.S. Top Ten List

Netflix’s Lupin made its debut on the service Friday January 8, and quickly became the first French series to land on the streamer’s U.S. Top 10 list.

ONTime Sports 3 Channel Launches in Egypt

ONTime Sports Channel Group has launched a new channel called ONTime Sports 3 to broadcast the 2021 World Cup Handball Championship matches

Stage Set For Bahrain Film Festival First Session

The Bahrain Cinema Club has announced the staging of the Bahrain Film Festival first session from April 1 to 5 after obtaining the approval of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA).

BeIN Sports extends NBA deal in France, streams Australian Open qualifiers in Doha

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and beIN SPORTS today announced a multiyear expansion of their broadcast and digital partnership that extends to a now decade-long collaboration.

Spacetoon debuts original “The Moshaya Family Animation” series

Spacetoon has collaborated with the Moshaya Family to bring the brand new series to its MENA audiences

Former Disney and Discovery Execs Launch OTT Platform

Former Disney and Discovery executives, Thomas Wadsworth, Paul Pastor, Lauren DeVillier and Eugene Liew, announced the launch of Struum, an OTT platform backed by Michael Eisner.

AFRICAN OTT MOVIE AND TV EPISODE REVENUES TO REACH $1.725 MILLION

African OTT movie and TV episode revenues will reach $1.725 million by 2026 – up from $392 million in 2020.

ZEASN and Line TV partner to bring trending content to smart TVs

ZEASN, the world’s leading provider of OTT and Smart TV solutions, announced that Thailand’s prime online video platform LINE TV has successfully launched its Smart TV App Store (ZEASN App Store).

Bidya Sinha Mim and Pritom Hasan starrer ZEE5 Original ‘WTFry’ premieres on ZEE5

ZEE5 Global, announced the world premiere of its second Bangladeshi Original WTFry on 9th January, for its audiences across 190+ countries.

‘Haifa Street’, ‘Between Heaven and Earth’ take part Dhaka International Film Festival

“Haifa Street” by Mohanad Hayal and “Between Heaven and Earth” by Najwa Najjar will compete within the Asian film competition at the Dhaka International Film Festival, Bangladesh (January 16-24).

Reel Palestine Film Festival returns to Cinema Akil in 2021

Independent cinema buffs will be pleased to hear the Reel Palestine Film Festival is set to return for a seventh time from January 22.

Fares Landoulsi Joins the Cast of Tunisian Drama Welad El Ghoul

Tunisian star Fares Landoulsi has recently joined the cast of the upcoming Tunisian drama Welad El Ghoul by director Mourad Ben Cheikh. Slated to premiere in Ramadan 2021, the new drama will mark Landoulsi's debut appearance in a Ramadan drama, following his massive success in the Netflix series Messiah in 2020.

Asharq News Brings Megaphone TV’s Cutting-Edge Solution to Arab Audiences Across the World

Since its launch on November 11, Asharq News, a multiplatform Arabic-language news service providing 24/7 coverage across the Arab world and beyond, has broadcast live from its studios in Dubai.

Al Ain Film Festival announces 378 movies at third edition

Al Ain Film Festival has announced the launch of its third edition, Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan member of the Executive Council, which will take place in Al Ain city, between 23rd – 27th of January 2021, under the slogan “Future Cinema”.

Discovery Inc. partners with STARZPLAY to launch global product discovery+ in MENA

Discovery Inc., the global leader in real life entertainment, today announced a strategic partnership with STARZPLAY, the MENA region’s fastest-growing subscription video on demand service, to launch discovery+ – the definitive non-fiction, real life subscription streaming service – across the Middle East and North Africa.

Qatari broadcasters anticipate reengaging with Saudi audiences following diplomatic breakthrough

Leaders of the six-member GCC signed the AlUla declaration at the conclusion of the Gulf summit, ending the dispute with Qatar and restoring full ties with it.

Biggest Saudi true-crime series ‘Rashash’ to stream on MBC’s Shahid VIP

The biggest Saudi Arabian true-crime series “Rashash” is set to debut on January 21 on MBC’s Shahid VIP online streaming service, a press statement said.

Former MBC exec Hind AbuAlia to lead Mediamonks digital work with Saudi projects including NEOM

On the back of its influx of work in the region, MediaMonks is growing its presence in the Middle East. S4Capital’s content practice adds several key senior executives to the teams.

STC’s “Jawwy” platform launches in Egypt

Intigral, an over-the-top content provider in the MENA region, has announced a strategic partnership with Orange Egypt, an internet data network provider in Egypt, to offer its subscribers access to Jawwy TV app.

OSN LAUNCHES REGION’S FASTEST CONTENT DISCOVERY PLATFORM, ‘BOX OF WONDERS’

The new ‘Box of Wonders’ is set to transform the region’s entertainment offering, promising easy content discovery in just 3 clicks to viewer’s favorite shows and a dedicated kids’ page!

Eros Now Select is now available through Apple TV channels in 11 new countries

The new markets are Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Cambodia, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan

Digiturk continues to build executive team with appointment of new EVP of Sports Content

Digiturk continues to build its executive team with the appointment of Rashed Al-Marri as Executive Vice President of Digiturk Sports Content.

ViacomCBS expands Hulu distribution agreement

In a new deal between the media giant and the Disney-owned over-the-top service which has enjoyed strong growth over the last year, ViacomCBS has announced a new distribution agreement that adds more content from its portfolio of news, entertainment and sports networks to Hulu’s live TV subscription streaming service, Hulu + Live TV.

DocuBay launches linear feed

Non-scripted content streamer DocuBay has expanded its offering by launching a global linear feed to complement its existing VOD service.

Entertainment Platform "Monsooq" by Mondia Enters The Nigerian Market

First introduced into South Africa, Mondia has announced it, second African market entrant, with the introduction of Monsooq into the Nigerian market.

Disney+ to launch in Singapore with Star, providing more entertainment

Disney+ will launch in Singapore with all six content brands on the streaming service – Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star.

Synergy Films releases promo of its new comic movie ‘ Wafet Regala’

Egyptian leading production company Synergy Films releases promo of comic movie ” Wa’fet Regala”.The promo amasses over 10 million views.

Discovery+ expands European reach with Vodafone deal

US-based factual giant Discovery has struck a far-reaching deal that will see its newly launched streamer made available via mobile operator Vodafone across 12 counties in Europe.

AVOD streamer Roku nears deal to buy Quibi’s short-form content

AVOD streamer and device manufacturer Roku is nearing a deal to acquire programming from Jeffrey Katzenberg’s defunct short-form streamer Quibi.

Brexit puts an end to channel portability

Brexit has brought an end to UK travellers being able to view their pay-TV subscriptions when overseas.

Museum opens exhibition on Cosmote TV

Canal+ Group subsidiary THEMA has announced a partnership with Greek pay-TV provider Cosmote TV with the first fruits seeing the arrival of the Museum TV channel in Greece.

Nadine Labaki joins Arabic-language ‘Perfect Strangers’ remake as shoot dates set

After numerous delays, the Arabic-language remake of the Italian hit “Perfect Strangers” is set to begin shooting in February,

Passion Distribution announces sales in Asia

After a successful ATF, Passion Distribution announces a raft of deals across Asia from its latest documentary programming slate including the recently launched landmark factual series The Great Plague (3 x 60’), Future Warfare (4 x 60’), and 1000 Years of History (6 x 120’).

Manga Productions partners with NEOM for Saudi animation series ‘Future’s Folktales’

Manga Productions, a subsidiary company of Mohammed bin Salman “Misk” Foundation, announced a partnership agreement with NEOM whereby the location for the second Season of the Saudi Animation Series Future’s Folktales

Variety lists Egypt’s ‘Paranormal’ among Best International TV Series of 2020

The US weekly entertainment magazine Variety has named the six-part Egyptian horror ‘Ma Waraa al-Tabea’ (Paranormal) as among The Best International TV Series of 2020.

Strive Masiyiwa Appointed to Netflix Board of Directors

Netflix, Inc. today announced the appointment of Strive Masiyiwa to its board.

Spacetoon supports Google’s ‘Internet Heroes’ initiative

Spacetoon, the family content provider, producer and broadcaster, has recently announced its collaboration with Google to support “Abtal Al Internet”, (“Internet Heroes”), an initiative that teaches children aged 7 to 12, different methods of keeping safe while being online, with the help of their parents and teachers.

JORDAN’S PROGRESSIVE GENERATION TO LAUNCH KIDS' VOD EDUTAINMENT PLATFORM FOLLOWING NEW INVESTMENT

Since launching in 2011, Jordanian production house, Progressive Generation, has aimed to be a leading producer of educational Arabic content through investing in creative content and intellectual properties.

ABS-CBN’s ‘A Mother’s Guilt,’ first Turkish adaptation of a Philippine series premiered on Kanal D

ABS-CBN continues to gain a foothold in the international entertainment scene as its crime drama A Mother’s Guilt, the first adaptation of a Filipino series in Turkey,

ViacomCBS expands footprint for kids’ channels in SE Asia

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has added its flagship kids’ brands Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. to key platforms in Southeast Asia.

BANIJAY RIGHTS TAKES CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER TO FRENCH SPEAKING CANADA

First celebrity adaptation in the region of the Banijay’s hit reality show format will arrive on Noovo and Noovo.ca on Sunday January 10. 15 Quebec personalities from all walks of life will enter the Big Brother house, a sumptuous manor on Île-Bizard. Living together around the clock, under the watchful eye of the cameras, the celebrities will be completely cut off from the outside world.

Image Nation to co-produce Emirati animated film Catsaway

Image Nation Abu Dhabi has taken on a significant role in developing Catsaway, an animated feature film by Emirati director Fadel Saeed Al Muhairi, as part of its strategy to both support local talent and to develop the local animation industry. Catsaway is slated for release in 2022.

Premier League Agrees MENA Broadcast Deal With beIN Sports

beIN MEDIA GROUP and Premier League have announced a new right deal until 2025 for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This means beIN SPORTS will broadcast 380 matches live in each season across all 24 countries in the region.

Algerian films on Carthage Film Days’ program

Several Algerian featured films, short films and documentaries are on the program for the 31st Carthage Film Day, scheduled from December 18 to 23 in Tunis without official competition, the organizers announced.

OneFootball acquires Dugout

OneFootball, the football media platform, has acquired clubs-owned fan platform Dugout.

CMF Pacts with Luxembourg & South Africa Organizations

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has partnered with Film Fund Luxembourg (FFL) and South Africa’s National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) to contribute over C$792,000 ($620,000) in either the co-development and co-production of five projects.

'Scales' to Represent Saudi Arabia in the Next Oscars

“Scales,” an award-winning Saudi dystopian film exploring the role of women in society, has been selected to represent the kingdom for Best International Feature Film at the 2021 Academy Awards (Oscars).

Arab Festival of Heritage Film: Anamil Etaine wins gold award in Egypt

Algerian documentary "Anamil Etaine" (Clay Fingers) has won the gold award of the first Arab Festival of Heritage Film, held in Egypt, the documentary movie maker, Hichem Remadeni, said Monday.

Annemarie Jacir’s first TV series among 39 projects to secure Doha grants

Palestinian director Annemarie Jacir’s upcoming TV drama Mornings In Jenin is among 39 projects to have secured Doha Film Institute (DFI) funding as part of its autumn 2020 grants round.

THE GLOBAL RISE OF INTER MEDYA’S “MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7”

The movie MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7, Turkey’s Oscars contender for the 93rd Academy Awards, distributed worldwide by one of Turkey’s leading distribution company Inter Medya, continues to increase its international success.

British Film ‘Limbo’ Wins the Golden Pyramid for Best Film at the Cairo Film Festival

British film “Limbo,” a wry refugee drama, directed by Edinburgh-born director Ben Sharrock and produced by Spain’s Irune Gurtubai and Angus Lamont of Crabapple Films, won the Golden Pyramid for best film at the Cairo Film Festival on Thursday.

Sam Barnett returns to his position as MBC Group CEO

Only 14 months after his departure from MBC, Barnett has been reappointed as leader of the MENA region's media powerhouse. His return marks a resumption of his renowned 17-year partnership with the Chairman of MBC Group, Sheikh Walid Al Ibrahim

MBC Media Solutions secures exclusive advertising sales partnership with Al Arabiya News Network

Al Arabiya News Network has appointed MMS to exclusively sell advertisements and sponsorship across all of its TV channel and digital platforms, starting January 2021

Intigral announces compelling new Jawwy TV content titles for December

Intigral, a leading provider of digital entertainment and sports in MENA and a subsidiary of stc group, has announced a new collection of entertainment content titles to be released on its flagship OTT service Jawwy TV during December to wrap up a year filled with the finest digital content offerings, exclusive title releases, and significant regional expansion for the platform.

Egypt’s Film Clinic to Distribute Trio of Arabic Oscar Contenders Across MENA Region

Egypt’s Film Clinic, the prominent indie shingle headed by Cairo Film Festival president Mohammed Hefzy, has scored the rare distinction of being the Middle East and North Africa region distributor of a trio of Arabic films that are in the running for the 2021 Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Zodiak Kids has appointed MBC3 (part of MBC Group) to represent its preschool series “Tickety Toc” in the Middle East and North Africa

‘Tickety Toc’ Gets MENA Agent

MBC ACADEMY launches 'Fikraty', an initiative aimed at discovering and fostering writing talent in the Arab world

MBC ACADEMY – the educational and training arm of the MENA region’s largest and leading media company, MBC GROUP – announces the launch of “Fikraty” (note to English-language media: “fikraty” translates into “my idea”), an initiative aimed at discovering and fostering writing talent from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Arab world.

Roya’s Production “Tahqeeq Amni” on Shahid.net

A collaboration between Roya TV and Shahid was made, where the Arab Broadcasting Service Shahid, that offers Video on Demand service, bought the TV program “Tahqeeq Amni” from Roya TV

The Alchemist: a global project filming in Morocco

Filming the second-largest film project in terms of budget in Morocco’s history will launch in April. The video is inspired by the famous 1988 novel The Alchemist by Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho, with a budget of 18 million euros.

“Hadd El-Tar” film wins two prizes at the Cairo Film Festival

The Saudi film “Had Al-Tar” won the special jury prize “Salah Abu Seif” at the closing ceremony of the 42nd Cairo International Film Festival.Receive the prizeDirector Abdulaziz Al-Shalahi, and Saudi actor Faisal Dokhi won the Best Actor award for the film itself.

StarzPlay and Huawei strike new deal

Free StarzPlay subscription on Huawei's Mate 40 Pro Customers to get one-year free subscription to StarzPlay when they buy a Huaweu Mate 40 Pro smartphone

M6 international channel secures distribution in UAE

Canal+ owned channel distributor Thema, as the distribution partner of M6 Group’s international channel, has announced major launches for the channel in the United Arab Emirates, M6 International will launche on Du’s TV service, where the channel joins a French package offer alongside 14 other French channels.