Chairman and CEO of Kuwait National Cinema Company
Kuwait
Gianluca Chakra
Managing Partner of Front Row
UAE
The partners in Front Row have created a powerful model for distributing all kinds of films
(both international and Arabic, including Egyptian blockbuster THE MONEY), while securing
cinemas through Hisham’s leverage in the large market of Kuwait (where his KNCC operates as the
country’s leading exhibitor with 20 locations). In January, Front Row replicated that model for
Saudi Arabia, tying up with KSA chain Muvi Cinemas to form a Saudi distribution company. Front
Row, which currently acquires more than 100 titles a year, of which around half are released
theatrically in the region, has stepped into production through a joint venture with London
based sales company Rocket Science that has yielded Arabic-language remakes of both French
blockbuster Intouchables and the Italian hit Perfect Strangers, starring Nadine Labaki.