Milo Productions and Italia Film partner to bring ‘Time Hoppers: The Silk Road' to MENA
Through this agreement, Italia Film will handle the exclusive theatrical distribution rights of the film across MENA.
Canadian animation studio Milo Productions Inc. has announced a new distribution partnership with Italia Film, the independent film distributor in the Middle East and North Africa, to bring its upcoming animated feature Time Hoppers: The Silk Road to theaters across the MENA region, expanding the reach and the presence of the universe in key markets..
Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is a 3D animated adventure aimed at children and families, taking audiences on an educational journey through history. The film follows four children who travel back in time to discover the scientific breakthroughs that shaped the modern world, all through the lens of the Silk Road. Along the way, they encounter legendary figures such as Ibn Al-Haytham, pioneer of optics; Al-Khawarizmi, father of algorithms; Maryam Astrolabi, a trailblazing woman in astronomical instrumentation; and Mansa Musa, the famed West African emperor known for his immense wealth and support of science and culture.
Italia Film, which holds exclusive distribution rights for major Hollywood studios including Disney, Marvel, LucasFilm, and 20th Century Studios in the region, will handle the theatrical rollout of Time Hoppers across MENA. The company's extensive expertise in the family entertainment market is expected to ensure a strong reception for the film when it debuts in October 2025.
Milo Productions Inc. CEO Michael Milo said: 'We are incredibly happy that our team has been able to bring a children's feature to screens around the world. It is a great testament to the diversity of voices in Canada and what they can accomplish.'
Flordeliza Dayrit Chief Creative Officer at the company and the movie's writer and director added: 'Our goal was to make a time travel action adventure that is super fun and funny while still having a positive message that shows children all civilizations have played a role in advancing modern science.'
The production was made possible with support from several Canadian funding bodies, including the Shaw Rocket Fund, Canada Media Fund, Creative Export Canada and the Alberta Media Fund.
Italia Film General Manager Nasser Modad stated: 'By working with a trusted leader like Italia Film, Milo Productions aims to ensure that Time Hoppers reaches as many MENA-based families as possible, inspiring them to explore the past, celebrate their rich and diverse histories, and imagine what the future could hold for them. Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is slated for release in major theaters across the MENA region this October, 2025, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for the Time Hoppers Universe in new markets.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE's cross-border business horizon brightens, study shows
With 94 per cent of businesses projecting strong growth in cross-border activities despite looming tariff challenges, the UAE leads global trade optimism, according to HSBC's 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey. Conducted between April 30 and May 12, the survey of over 5,700 firms across 13 markets reveals UAE companies' remarkable resilience, outpacing global sentiment. As geopolitical and tariff uncertainties ripple worldwide, UAE firms are leveraging advanced planning, digital innovation, and strategic market diversification to secure a prosperous future. The UAE's buoyant outlook contrasts with global caution, where two-thirds of corporations report cost increases from tariff and trade uncertainties. While 65 per cent of UAE firms have faced similar cost pressures, with an average rise of seven per cent in operational expenses, they remain undeterred. A striking 76 per cent anticipate further cost hikes within six months, yet their confidence persists, driven by proactive strategies. The survey projects a 19 per cent revenue impact from tariffs on UAE businesses, slightly above the global average of 18 per cent, but firms are countering this with agility and foresight. Deyana Cherneva, head of Global Trade Solutions for the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye at HSBC Bank Middle East, emphasised the UAE's strategic edge. 'The UAE corporates are well-prepared for the evolving trade landscape,' she said. 'By harnessing data analytics, strengthening supply chains, and deepening ties with key markets like the Middle East, China, and Europe, they are turning challenges into opportunities.' Indeed, 75 per cent of UAE firms view trade uncertainty as a chance to innovate, with 48 per cent investing in data analytics, 42 per cent enhancing risk management, and 38 per cent improving supply chain visibility. The UAE's trade optimism is underpinned by its strategic market connections. The survey identifies the UAE itself as the top sales market for 83 per cent of local firms, followed by India (34 per cent), the UK (32 per cent), the US (32 per cent), and Germany (19 per cent). For sourcing, 78 per cent of firms prioritize the UAE, with India (40 per cent), the US (39 per cent), the UK (32 per cent), and Germany (25 per cent) as key partners. Regional trade is a cornerstone, with 62 per cent of UAE companies boosting Middle East ties, alongside 47 per cent focusing on China and 43 per cent on Europe. This diversification aligns with the UAE's Vision 2030, which aims to elevate non-oil trade to Dh4 trillion by 2031, per government projections. Additional data from the UAE Ministry of Economy highlights the emirates' trade momentum, with non-oil exports reaching Dh445 billion in 2024, a 12 per cent year-on-year increase. Free trade agreements, including those with India and the EU, have bolstered market access, while investments in digital infrastructure — such as Dubai's blockchain-based trade platforms — enhance efficiency. The UAE's logistics hub status, with Jebel Ali Port handling 14.5 million TEUs in 2024, further solidifies its global trade dominance. Geopolitical shifts, a constant in global trade, are met with resilience by UAE businesses. The survey notes that 55 per cent of firms are exploring new markets to mitigate risks, with Southeast Asia and Africa emerging as growth frontiers. The UAE's economic diversification, with non-oil sectors contributing 73 per cent to GDP in 2024, supports this adaptability. Sectors like technology, renewable energy, and e-commerce are thriving, with the UAE's digital economy projected to grow by 15 per cent annually through 2030, according to Oxford Economics. According to business analysts, while challenges like tariff costs and regulatory complexities persist, UAE businesses are undaunted. Their embrace of technology, strategic market expansion, and robust regional ties position them to lead globally, they added.
Zawya
8 hours ago
- Zawya
ACWA Power allocates majority of spending from rights issue on MENA projects
ACWA Power has allocated 53 percent to 60 percent of the proceeds from its 7.12 billion Saudi riyals ($1.9 billion) rights issue for spending in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The company expects to spend between SAR 3.7 billion and SAR 4.2 billion on current and future projects in the MENA region, the Saudi-listed company stated in its rights issue prospectus. The expenditure for Central Asia is expected to be between 22 percent and 25 percent, or SAR 1.5 billion to SAR 1.7 billion. Therefore, the total spend on renewable energy, water and gas projects will reach between SAR 5.2 billion and SAR 5.9 billion, the prospectus said. ACWA Power anticipates allocating a maximum of 20 percent of the proceeds, amounting to SAR 1.4 billion, for mergers and acquisitions. The potential allocation for general corporate purposes will reach a maximum of SAR 352 million. As of December 31, 2024, ACWA Power's portfolio comprises 94 projects in 13 countries, with a total investment cost of SAR 364.5 billion ($97.32 billion). The projects are a mix of renewable energy and storage, water desalination, green hydrogen, and flexible generation (conventional fuel). According to the prospectus, 52 projects are in operation at a total investment cost of SAR 196.9 billion, 24 are under construction valued at SAR 109.5 billion and 18 are in the advanced development stage worth SAR 58.1 billion. The company clarified that advanced development stage projects refer to ones where a preferred bidder has been selected, a long-term offtake agreement has been signed, or deals have been negotiated, where it has committed significant financial resources and reaching financial close is at an advanced stage. The company's shareholders will vote on the board of directors' recommendation to increase the capital through a SAR 7.12 billion rights issue on 30 June 2025. (Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
9 hours ago
- Zawya
Egypt, OECD explore deeper cooperation during ministerial meetings in Paris
Arab Finance: Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat held a series of high-level meetings with officials from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and support Egypt's development agenda, as per a statement. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council meetings, held this year under the theme "Leading the Way towards Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Prosperity through Rules-Based Trade, Investment, and Innovation." In her meeting with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, Al-Mashat expressed appreciation for the strong and evolving relationship between Egypt and the OECD, highlighting the importance of the bilateral cooperation program and Egypt's active role in the MENA-OECD Initiative on Governance and Competitiveness for Development. She noted that this partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing institutional reform, evidence-based policymaking, and sustainable development. Al-Mashat stressed that Egypt's co-chairing of the MENA initiative allows for deeper regional engagement and mutual learning, drawing on practical reform experiences. She also welcomed the extension of the Egypt-OECD Country Program through 2025, describing it as a cornerstone of joint cooperation. The program encompasses 35 projects across five key pillars and was designed through a participatory process that reflects Egypt's commitment to reform ownership and policy coherence. The minister noted ongoing coordination among various Egyptian stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the program, expressing hope that the collaboration would move beyond policy recommendations to include actionable tools and implementation plans that can accelerate development outcomes. Moreover, Al-Mashat added that the program not only reinforces Egypt's strategic partnership with the OECD but also represents a significant step toward potential OECD membership. Cormann affirmed the OECD's commitment to expanding its membership and described the Egypt-OECD Country Program as a vital pathway for Egypt to become the first Arab and African member of the organization. In a separate meeting with Mary Beth Goodman, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, discussions focused on the finalization of the organization's new development strategy. Goodman praised Egypt's valuable input during the consultation process, noting the importance of participatory engagement in addressing global development challenges, particularly in the context of declining development financing. Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt's pioneering experience in channeling development finance toward the private sector, which has now become the primary beneficiary over the government. Goodman commended this model and underscored its potential as a reference for other OECD member states. Additionally, Al-Mashat met with Andreas Schall, Director of Global Relations and Cooperation at the OECD, to discuss the future of bilateral ties and Egypt's potential accession process. The meeting also covered OECD country program evaluation mechanisms and how Egypt can benefit from the experiences of existing member countries. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
