SwissOpenAir Cinema has ended its 2009 Dubai run on a high note, with promises of returning next year with more movies and an even bigger screen. 

SwissOpenAir Cinema has spent the last two weeks showcasing the latest Hollywood and Bollywood movies on the world’s largest outdoor screen, where attendees have had the chance to enjoy a unique movie experience, good food and a special atmosphere. 

Organisers said that the response to this year’s event, its second in Dubai, has been overwhelming and they are keen to make it an annual feature. 

“It was great to be back in Dubai again; everyone we’ve spoken seemed to really enjoy their experience here with us in Media City,” said Farzin Samadian, CEO of SwissOpenAir Concept. “I can promise that we will definitely be back in the UAE next year with a new selection of movies and a slightly different twist to make it even more exciting than ever.” 

“Dubai has been one of the best destinations to host the event and we look forward to repeating this success on a regular basis.” 

Most of the movies played this year were regional Hollywood premiers and there were even two Bollywood premiers which proved a huge draw for the city’s Bollywood lovers. 

To make next year’s event even more exciting, Dr. Sam Samadian, Chairman of SwissOpenAir Concept, said that his company was in the process of developing an even larger set up and more attractions to add to the atmosphere. 

“Our goal is to make every year more special than the last, so stay tuned because next year is going to be a totally new and exciting event.”

The Cinema began its 2009 season with a full house of over 2000 movie lovers on its opening night, which hosted the UAE premier of Twilight: Full Moon, and ended its run playing to another full house at the UAE opening of Hillary Swank’s and Richared Gere’s Amelia.

“It was incredibly successful; a great run with an amazing atmosphere, I can’t wait to be back next year,” Farzin Samadian concluded.

source-http://www.dubaicityguide.com/site/news/news-details.asp?newsid=27135

Cirque de Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, yet another fanged-hero flick was screened at the Swiss Open Air Theatre – unfortunately this one was no match in popularity to New Moon

WHILE SITTING IN an open air cinema, before an enormous screen (the world’s largest mobile one, we’re told) is an unmatched one-of-a-kind experience, watching the film adaptation of the first three books in The Saga of Darren Shah entitled Cirque de Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant is a bit of a let down.

Unfortunately the movie just does not do justice to the relatively popular and successful series of novels – owing to a lost-in-translation syndrome.

The film opens well – the band of freaks with mystic powers at their disposal grab the audience’s attention immediately. But about 20 minutes into The Vampire’s Assistant, interest waivers and it’s generally downhill from there.

The plot follows teenager Darren Shah (Chris Massoglia) as him and his friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson) decide to attend an underground, illegal freak show riddled with supernatural beings. There they encounter 220-year-old vampire named Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly). Soon Darren finds himself in the midst of an age-old war between two warring vampire clans and a world of special effects.

Director Paul Weitz (American Pie, About a Boy) was obviously shooting for a comic tone but fails miserably because of a mostly unfunny script and the result is definitely destined to be a box office miss.

Amongst those watching the film last night was 24-year-old software designer Sunil Lobo; “It’s very disappointing. I was hoping for much better. I don’t think I’ll be watching the sequel.”

Well, at least it was a nice night out with the great setup in Dubai Media City and the fabulous weather – definitely an experience not to miss out on.

Davina Raisinghani

source-http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/swissair/2009/December/swissair_December2.xml&section=swissair

A CITY KNOWN for its penchant for everything superlative, Dubai managed to add another feather to its cap – albeit a temporary one this time – with the opening of the world’s largest Open Air Cinema.

The 12-day Swiss OpenAir event proved a huge draw with movie lovers, who flocked to the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre to catch their favourite stars on the huge screen.

With a seating capacity of 2000, the venue overlooking the CNN and MBC offices across a small lake proved the perfect spot for some serious stargazing. Be it the Robert Pattinson-Kristen Stewart vampire saga New Moon that took centre stage on the opening night or the Jim Carrey starrer Christmas Carol, the wide selection of movies screened at the venue was a sure hit with the audiences.

And on Sunday night, as the much anticipated Bachchan-starrer Paawas beamed to hundreds of fans, it brought home the fact that cinema can truly be a communal experience – binding people from different walks of life in a way no other social activity can. The ‘Surprise Night’ showing proved the right choice in more ways than one. With Bachchan and family slated to be in town for the forthcoming Dubai International Film Festival, Bollywood lovers got a chance to catch the latest avatar of their favourite star – a 67- year- old playing a 12-year-old with great panache.

A perfect blend of humour  courtesy of  some brilliant dialogues, and pathos – not the dramatic kind Bollywood is famous for – the film provided an excellent group watch. Though the sky was a little overcast, the temperature proved just right to make the outdoor cinema viewing truly fascinating. The Swiss OpenAir Cinema came to an end yesterday with the screening of the Mira Nair film Amelia in which Oscar-winner Hillary Swank reprises the role of the legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart.

A truly world class, glitch-free experience that the organisers can be proud of.

Ambica Sachin

source-http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/citytimes/2009/December/citytimes_December90.xml&section=citytimes