Latest news with #AbuDhabiFilmCommission
Al Etihad
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi shows it has formula for success at premiere of F1 movie at Yas Marina Circuit
26 June 2025 22:52 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)The red carpet was rolled out at Yas Marina Circuit on Wednesday night, not for a Grand Prix, but for the much-anticipated premiere of F1, the motorsports blockbuster starring Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt and directed by Top Gun Maverick filmmaker Joseph premiere, ahead of the international release of the movie on June 26, marked a full-circle moment for the UAE capital, where large portions of the movie were shot over 26 days in late 2024, with filming taking place in and around Yas Marina Circuit during the Formula 1 season. The project represents a new milestone in Abu Dhabi's growing reputation as a global hub for Hollywood movie shoots. Speaking to Aletihad at the premiere, Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority (CMA), expressed pride in Abu Dhabi's starring role in the production. 'We are proud to have the F1 movie premiere in Abu Dhabi after a huge experience and success during the production,' he said.'It's remarkable. The film stars a blockbuster name like Brad Pitt and is directed by Joseph Kosinski, and it showcases the strength of Abu Dhabi's creative industry on a global scale.'The film follows Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes, a former driver dragged back into the fast-paced world of Formula 1 to mentor young racing ace Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, blending dramatic storytelling with authentic, high-speed racing sequences shot during real races. That realism was made possible thanks to close coordination between film crews, Formula 1 organisers, and Abu Dhabi officials - a feat that earned praise from industry professionals. 'This only confirms the work we've put in over the years to develop the infrastructure to attract productions like F1,' Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, told Aletihad on red carpet. 'We started communicating with the studio three years ago. We worked closely to determine what could be filmed in Abu Dhabi, which locations worked, and what support we could offer, from budget planning to talent and crew.'Abu Dhabi's ability to facilitate filming during a live Formula 1 race was hailed as a landmark accomplishment in global film production. A video screened at the premiere also highlighted Abu Dhabi's hospitality, as a filming destination.'Filming at Yas Marina Circuit, during an actual race, and coordinating the film shoot and the live event without disruption, that by itself is a great achievement,' Al Jaberi added. 'It was brilliantly orchestrated and went very smoothly.'The Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the final race destination of the F1 season, provided a visually stunning backdrop for the film's climactic scenes. Audiences at the premiere were treated to a screening that combined the roar of engines with sweeping aerial shots and emotionally charged performances, blending Hollywood spectacle with real-world racing hope is that the F1 movie could propel more high-profile productions to Abu Dhabi. The emirate's competitive rebate programme, state-of-the-art facilities, experienced crews, and stunning locations have already drawn filmmakers from around the notable movies filmed in the capital include 'Mission: Impossible – Fallout', '6 Underground', and 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.'As the lights dimmed and the opening credits rolled at Yas Marina Circuit, it was clear the event was more than a film premiere, it was a celebration of how far Abu Dhabi has come as a cinematic destination. With Brad Pitt's star power and Kosinski's directorial vision drawing global attention, the city's investment in the creative economy looks to be paying off.
Al Etihad
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Stages Regional Premiere of F1: The Movie on Bespoke Yas Marina Circuit Cinema
26 June 2025 21:30 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi rolled out the red carpet for the highly anticipated regional premiere of F1: The Movie, delivering an unforgettable cinematic celebration on Yas Marina Circuit, one of the film's most iconic filming event featured a purpose-built cinema, special guest activations, and a red carpet attended by film pioneers and special red carpet welcomed influential figures, including senior leadership from the Creative Media Authority (CMA) and Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), who partnered closely on the production, were joined by representatives from key supporting partners including Etihad Airways, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, and Yas Marina Director General of the Creative Media Authority, Mohamed Dobay, commented, "This premiere reflects the power of collaboration across Abu Dhabi's creative ecosystem. By transforming Yas Marina Circuit into a one-of-a-kind cinema experience, we have shown what is possible when regional talent, partners and robust infrastructure come together. It is a testament to Abu Dhabi's growing role as a hub for world-class productions."Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Sameer Al Jaberi, added, "Bringing F1: The Movie to life and transforming Yas Marina Circuit into a live production set reflects the versatility and capability of Abu Dhabi as a filming destination. The project also highlights the strength of our rebate programme, the commitment of our local crews, and the collective support of our partners across the Emirate."The premiere event also aligned with the film's full production wrap, which was completed during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit in December 2024. This marked the first time a feature film captured on-track action during a live Formula 1 race guest experience featured driving simulators, exclusive car displays, and partner watch showcases, reflecting the wider world of Formula 1 and the global partners involved in both the sport and the film's also included displays of the official APXGP Formula 1 car and the APXGP race helmet worn by Damson Idris at the Met Gala earlier this year, bringing key elements of the film and the sport to life for attendees.F1: The Movie was filmed extensively across Abu Dhabi during three separate production visits, with support from ADFC's rebate programme. Over 29 filming days, the production engaged 284 local crew members and multiple interns through CMA's talent development programmes. Filming took place across multiple locations, including Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios at Yas Creative Hub, with local production services delivered by Epic Films. The premiere event itself was further supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who contributed across guest services, red carpet management, and logistical film was produced by Apple Studios in collaboration with Formula 1 Management, FIA, and all 10 Formula 1 teams, and is distributed globally by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is now screening in cinemas across the region from June 26, 2025.
Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
CMA, NG9 Holding sign Dh55m partnership to enhance local film and TV production in Abu Dhabi
11 June 2025 10:15 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi Creative Media Authority (CMA) has signed an agreement with NG9 Group, a dynamic consortium comprising Nirvana Holding, Gewan Holding, and 9Yards Group, for a multi-sector strategic collaboration. The partnership will initially deliver two feature films and a 10-episode TV series, with a total value of Dh55 million ($15 million), set for global photography is slated to begin in September, employing local crews and integrating Emirati talent both on-screen and behind the scenes, aligning with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission's enhanced rebate program designed to showcase Emirati culture and part of the collaboration, CMA will provide valuable services such as location support, talent development initiatives, talent casting and the ADFC cashback rebate. NG9 Group will extend preferential rates on hotels, car rentals, flights, and tourism-related services to projects supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, including special vehicle rentals, such as yachts, and private Khouri, Director of Industry Development at the Creative Media Authority, said: 'As we work to position Abu Dhabi as one of the world's leading creative hubs, expanding our local industry offering remains a core focus. This exciting new partnership with an extensive NG9 team opens up fresh opportunities for investment and collaboration, driving growth across the local economy.'Alaa Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of NG9 Holding, said: 'Aligned with our commitment to advancing the UAE's economy through innovation, local partnerships, sustainability, and community engagement, we are proud to collaborate with CMA. This partnership will not only deliver internationally distributed creative content but will also create career opportunities for talented young filmmakers from Abu Dhabi.'Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission said: "This collaboration adds value and aligns with our vision to attract additional production partners who can leverage and utilise our rebate programme – including those partners who can reflect our wide variety of filming locations on screen, employ our talented production specialists and businesses and showcase the rich cultural and social heritage of Abu Dhabi in engaging television and film content." Rami Tmaish, General Manager of 9Yards Pictures, expressed his optimism about the partnership, highlighting its role in showcasing Emirati creativity on a global stage. He confirmed that efforts are already underway to identify Emirati talent in acting, directing, and writing to empower them locally and internationally. He also noted that this initiative will build a strong production ecosystem to enhance the presence of Emirati content with a modern and globally resonant spirit.
CairoScene
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- CairoScene
Brad Pitt's ‘F1 The Movie' to Premiere in Abu Dhabi June 25th
Taking place on June 25th, 2025, the Abu Dhabi premiere will be one day ahead of the official Middle East release. May 22, 2025 Brad Pitt is heading back to Abu Dhabi as his new Formula 1 film gets set for its regional premiere on June 25th, 2025—one day ahead of its official Middle East release. Directed by Joseph Kosinski ('Top Gun: Maverick') and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and seven-time F1 champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, 'F1 The Movie' stars Pitt as a fictional former driver, Sonny Hayes, who returns to the sport after a career-ending crash. He's joined by Damson Idris, who plays a rising rookie teammate. The Apple Original Films production was partly shot at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with scenes also filmed at Yas Marina Circuit and Zayed International Airport. Over the course of 29 shooting days, the production employed 284 local crew members and 15 interns, in partnership with Epic Films and with support from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission's rebate programme. The film joins a growing list of international productions that have filmed in Abu Dhabi, with over 180 supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission since 2013.
Broadcast Pro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
‘F1 The Movie' to premiere in Abu Dhabi ahead of Middle East release
The cast and crew will return to Abu Dhabi for the red-carpet premiere after filming 29 days across the emirate. Apple Original Films' summer blockbuster F1 The Movie, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, will make its regional debut with a premiere in Abu Dhabi on June 25, 2025. Distributed globally and in IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures, the event film will officially release across the Middle East on June 26, marking a symbolic return to the city where much of the movie was filmed. The premiere brings the production full circle, as cast and crew reunite in Abu Dhabi after wrapping principal photography during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December. The film was produced in collaboration with the Creative Media Authority, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and local production partner Epic Films. F1 The Movie tells the fictional story of Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, a once-promising Formula 1 driver from the 1990s whose career was nearly ended by a tragic accident. Decades later, Sonny lives a nomadic life on the racing circuit until he's approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes, portrayed by Javier Bardem. Ruben, now the owner of a failing Formula 1 team, urges Sonny to return to the sport for one final shot at greatness. Sonny is paired with rookie sensation Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, and must confront both the challenges of the modern racing world and the unresolved ghosts of his past. As the two drivers clash on and off the track, Sonny learns that redemption in Formula 1 isn't a solo journey—and that teammates can be your greatest rivals. Filmed during real Grand Prix weekends around the globe, the film's Abu Dhabi production spanned 29 days and involved three separate shooting periods. Locations included the Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport and twofour54 Studios. The project employed 284 local crew members, with Epic Films leading the regional production efforts. In addition, 15 young Emirati interns were given the opportunity to work alongside top-tier international filmmakers, gaining hands-on experience through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission's rebate and training programmes. The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, and produced by Kosinski through Monolith Pictures, alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman for Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton also serves as a producer under his Dawn Apollo Films banner, joined by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B Entertainment. The screenplay, penned by Academy Award nominee Ehren Kruger, is based on a story developed by Kosinski and Kruger. The production was created in partnership with Formula 1, with full support from Formula 1 Management, all 10 teams, F1 drivers, and the FIA. Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority, said: 'We are looking forward to welcoming back the cast and crew for a fourth F1-related occasion after hosting the team on three different shoots across three years. Not only in terms of duration but also in terms of economic impact, the F1 The Movie production has made a significant difference to Abu Dhabi's creative ecosystem and to host the region's premiere as part of a global tour, this will be a fitting closing moment and celebration to the full lifecycle of the production project and our first official partnership with Apple Original Films.' Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, commented: 'We are incredibly proud to be hosting a premiere for F1 The Movie – a moment which will see many of the cast and crew return to Abu Dhabi after wrapping 29 days of production – including days at the Yas Marina Circuit. As we continue to drive the film and TV production industry of Abu Dhabi forward, milestone moments such as premieres provide us the ideal opportunity to celebrate our collective efforts to support the visions of some of the world's leading directors and producers from Arabic, Bollywood and Hollywood within a welcoming and supportive environment.' F1 The Movie is one of 180 major production supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, part of the Creative Media Authority, since the introduction of the rebate in 2013.
