The panel, Beyond Hollywood & Bollywood: The Future of Independent Cinema in the Region, took place on Sunday 16, at 11:00 AM at the Fairmont Saker Ballroom. The audience consisted of Sanad Lab participants, members of industry, the press, film students and filmmakers. Experts from international sales companies and regional distributors discussed the types of films they are drawn to, their relationships with film festivals and the decision-making process behind deals for films in the MENA region. Panelists included Gianluca Chacra, CEO of Front Row Filmed Entertainment; Michael Werner, chairman of Fortissimo Films; Frederic Sichler, president of Pacha Pictures; Mahi Golchin-Depala, managing director of Phars Film; and Hisham F. Alghanim, general manager of Kuwait National Cinema Co. The panelists gave insight on Independent Films in the region and what could be done to showcase these types of films in theatres and to a wider audience. Two of the points mentioned were the...

Tamil science fiction thriller “7aum Arivu“, starring Surya in a double role and Shruti Hassan, will be released across the GCC by Phars Film this coming Diwali.  We expect a very strong turnout for this movie as fans of the hugely popular leading actor have been keenly awaiting his next movie.  ”7aum Arivu” will release on October 26th, the same day as Shahrukh Khan’s Bollywood Blockbuster “Ra.One”.

Phars Film is gearing up for the Middle East release of “Ra One” on October 26th, 2011.  ”Ra One” is already breaking records by smashing the previous record for the total number of prints by any Bollywood release in the history of the Middle East.  As part of the build up to the release of this Blockbuster, “Ra One” will also have it’s global premiere at Grand Cineplex in Dubai on October 24th.  Both Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor will be in attendance alongside other key members of the cast and crew.