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

Never underestimate the power of teenage girls and their infatuation with vampire love stories. The premiere of New Moon, the second installment of the Twilight saga, was viewed by more than 2,000 people on the world’s largest movie screen set up at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre as part of a 10-day film series called Cinema under the Stars.

The kick-off night to the series saw tickets for New Moon sell-out in a matter of days. For some fans, the opportunity to watch their favourite dark romance underneath the moonlit sky was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For technology geeks, the giant screen and powerful sound system stole the show.

“I’m absolutely blown away by the sheer size of it all,” said John Nitin, a 38-year-old software developer who was accompanied by his wife and two children.

“My daughters pleaded with me to bring them here tonight for the film, but I came along to enjoy the special outdoor set-up in this beautiful cool winter weather.”

One look at the seated audience and it was clear that young girls were by far the most prevalent demographic of the evening, and some of them came dressed for the occasion.

Sarah Abulhassan, 16, was joined by her five close friends; all of which were wearing heavy black eye-shadow and donning Twilight themed shirts. For Sarah, the “dead look” is really fashionable at the moment.

“There is something about this movie that is so surreal, yet really beautiful,” she explained. “I know some people think it’s just a stupid unrealistic movie about blood-sucking vampires, but it’s actually a really well put together film series.”

Moreover, Sara and her friends have all read the books, penned by successful author Stephanie Meyer, and would not miss the chance to witness the UAE film debut on the world’s most impressive screen.

“This film was made to be watched under the moon and stars,” she said. “It’s all very romantic.”

On the eve of national celebrations to mark the Islamic holiday of Eid-al-adha (Festival of the Sacrifice), families from all backgrounds turned out in droves to enjoy pre-movie dinner and snacks that were made available by several kiosks and food stalls from popular local eateries.

The second annual installment of the event, organised by Swiss OpenAir Concept, proved to be so successful in its first year that it increased audience seating by at least 500 this time around.

Zeina Moussa, a 22-year-old university student, was eager to begin her vacation at the opening of the film Thursday night. “With the arrival of Eid and National Day so close together, I think spending a unique night out is the perfect way to start the celebrations,” she said.

“After all this is Dubai…I wouldn’t expect anything less than the biggest movie on the planet.”

The film series will continue until December 7 and will include newly released titles each evening including Zombieland, Christmas Carol, Astro Boy and Amelia. December 1 and 6 will host a special surprise Bollywood film as well.

Mohamad Kadry

source-http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2009/November/theuae_November848.xml&section=theuae&col=

Robert Pattinson, background left, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, right, in a scene from The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Courtesy Summit Entertainment

Fans of the Twilight series of vampire films will be able to se the latest instalment this week on the biggest outdoor screen in the world.

On Thursday night, New Moon, out on general release in the UAE on the same day, will be shown on a 4,000-square-foot, six-storey hight screen. It is the first in a series of films to be shown over 12 nights on the giant screen.

The series, which ends on December 7, is called Cinema Under the Stars and is organised by SwissOpenAir Concept.

The screen will be set up in the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Last year’s inaugural series was staged at Madinat Jumeirah.

“The location last year was tight,” said Farzin Samadian, the chief executive of SwissOpenAir Concept. “Last year, out of the 12 nights, we had 87 per cent occupacy, something over 22,000 people.”

Last year’s sponsor, the Abu Dhabi-based developer Hydra Properties, has chosen not to back this year’s programme.

SwissOpenAir Concept, which has staged such events in 17 other countries, will provide funding.

“We are not going to cancel because one title sponsor cannot come. We are continuing to finance it through the other locations,” Mr Samadian said.

New Moon took almost US$73 million (Dh268m) on its US release last Friday, the highest single-day figure in US cinema history. It is based on the second of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series of novels.

The story centres on the uneasy love between a vampire and a human.

Last year’s Cinema Under the Stars series was the company’s first in the Middle East.

“The UAE was the first because it is one of the best markets in the Middle East and we are always looking to go to those markets that are quite safe,” Mr Samadian said. “And the need as well as the desire is there.”

Next year, SwissOpenAir Concept is planning to expand beyond the UAE to include screenings in countries including Qatar and Egypt, Mr Samadian said.

The enormous screen is supported on a 70-tonne steel structure that is raised hydraulically at the start of each film.

The whole thing can be quickly lowered in case of high winds.

According to Mr Samadian, it cost “seven figures in US dollars” and makes screenings expensive and difficult to stage.

But he said he hoped the series would be about more than just the films.

Audiences can enjoy drinks and dinner outdoors before each movie.

Following Thursday’s screening of New Moon, there is an after-show party sponsored by Red Bull.

Entry costs Dh65, and tickets for all the films can be purchased online or by phone via Time Out, at Virgin Megastores, and at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre box office from 6pm daily.

Other films on the schedule include Zombieland, Amelia and Christmas Carol.

December 1 and 6 are reserved for two “Bollywood Surprise” nights of Indian films.

The series is supported by the Dubai International Film Festival. Dubai Media City is the location sponsor.

Keach Hagey

source-http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091123/NATIONAL/711229838/1041/OPINION

Swiss OpenAir Concept will open its second season in the UAE with a much-anticipated screening of The Twilight Saga: New Moon. (SUPPLIED)

Twelve nights of movie magic begin this Thursday night with the UAE premier of New Moon, to usher-in Dubai’s 2009 run of SwissOpenAir Cinema, the world’s largest outdoor movie screen.

Taking place at the Media City Amphitheatre and happening every night till December 7, movie lovers will be entertained with a line up of Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters making their UAE premiers.

Building on last year’s popular formula and making it bigger, SwissOpenAir Cinema is more than just a night at the movies. It is a food festival of international cuisine and drinks, a world class laser light show, and on weekends as the end credits roll, it’s only the beginning of the experience as Red Bull DJ will be at the decks to ensure the fun goes on into the night.

“The Open Air Cinema is an event bigger than the films themselves, it’s a whole night out in a world class environment with atmosphere, high quality cuisine and drinks, a Red Bull sponsored bar and the after-party and DJ, all coming together to make it a special night for everyone involved,” says Farzin Samadian, CEO of SwissOpenAir Concept.

“But of course, it’s the movies at the centre of all the magic.”

One of the biggest highlights this year will be the Bollywood surprise nights, which will feature the premiers of two of this years most anticipated Bollywood blockbusters.

“Bollywood has a huge fan base here and we know there’s been a lot of hype about these movies which we’re keeping a surprise for now, all I can say for now is that their UAE premiers are going to be special affairs when combined with the atmosphere and magic of the Open Air Cinema.”

DIFF’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship Mahsa Motamedi said: “DIFF has been at the forefront in reviving the tradition of open air screenings at Dubai Media City amphitheatre. These events bring together friends and family, where cinema acts as a vehicle for fostering community spirit, developing film culture in the city as a whole.

SwissOpenAir Cinema once again will bring the best outdoor movie screen experience to the residents of the city. We at DIFF are proud to be associated with the event that provides a valuable cultural benefit to the people of Dubai and the UAE, setting the stage for eight days of celebration in film and filmmaking during the Dubai International Film Festival from December 9 to 16.

Mohammad Abdullah, Executive Director, Dubai Media City, a member of TECOM Investments, said: “Hosting the region’s largest confluence of global media majors, Dubai Media City continues to pioneer initiatives that place art and culture as a core strategy. Our support of the SwissOpenAir Cinema, the world’s largest outdoor movie screen at the Dubai Media City amphitheatre, bears testimony to this commitment.

“We are confident the general audiences as well as the media community in the cluster will savour the coming together of open air screenings and the magic of movies.”

Swiss Open Air is a giant – over 4000 square feet – screen rising six stories high and accompanied by a 32 speaker digital surround sound system, which will host regional and world premiers of the latest Hollywood and Bollywood films.

SwissOpenAir screens were first developed in 1989 as the world’s largest hydraulically erected mobile screens. Despite their enormous size and weight (up to 70 tons), the screens can be dismantled for convenient transport and are constantly on tour around the world playing to movie lovers in cities such as Zurich, Basel, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and Pusan in South Korea , where over 5000 people turn out for the show every night.

source-http://www.dubaicityguide.com/site/news/news-details.asp?newsid=26911

Following last weeks exciting Twilight Sega New Moon announcement, the world’s largest outdoor movie experience – SwissOpenAir Cinema – has released details of the films set to entertain Dubai movie goers at the end of the month.

For two weeks from November 26, 2000 people every night will experience movie magic in Dubai Media City Amphitheatre in front of a 4000 square feet playing some of the seasons most anticipated releases.

“We’ve done our best to bring a real eclectic mix of movies which is sure to entertain everyone’s tastes,” said Farzin Samadian, CEO of SwissOpenAir Concept. “We have family nights, Bollywood nights, comedy, action, drama; there really is something for everybody.”

Every film on the program this year is either a world or a regional premier:

Twilight Saga-New Moon (Opening Night)
Thursday 26.11.2009
Director: Chris Weitz
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson
After Bella recovers from the vampire attack that almost claimed her life, she looks to celebrate her birthday with Edward and his family.

Old Dogs (Charity Night)
Friday 27.11.2009
Director: Walt Becker
Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams
Two friends and business partners find their lives turned upside down when strange circumstances lead to them being placed in the care of 7-year-old twins.

Christmas Carol (Family Night)
Saturday 28.11.2009
Director: Robert Zemeckis,
Cast: Jim Carrey, Steve Valentine
An animated retelling of Charles Dickens classic novel about a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions .

Zombieland (Comedy Night)
Sunday 29.11.2009
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson
The horror comedy Zombieland focuses on two men who have found a way to survive a world overrun by zombies. Columbus is a big wuss — but when you’re afraid of being eaten by zombies, fear can keep you alive.

The Conqueror (Historical action Night)
Monday 30.11.2009
Assistant of Director: Josep Molina
Cast: Tim Roth, Thomas Kretschmann
The life and battles of James I, King of Aragon (a.k.a. King Conqueror), the most renowned of the Spanish medieval kings of Aragon (1213-1276), who added the Balearic Islands and Valencia to his realm …

Bollywood “Surprise Night”
Tuesday 1.12.2009
On this special evening, you can catch the premier of an all new Bollywood blockbuster, the name of which will be announced on the night.

Everybody’s fine (Family Night)
Wednesday 2.12.2009
Director: Kirk Jones
Cast: Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore
A widower who realized his only connection to his family was through his wife sets off on an impromptu road trip to reunite with each of his grown children.

Ninja Assassin (Action Night)
Thursday 3.12.2009
Director: James McTeigue
Cast: Sung Kang, Randall Duk Kim
A young ninja turns his back on orphanage that raised him, leading to a confrontation with a fellow ninja from the clan.

The Vampires Assistant (Circus du Freak) (Mystery Night)
Friday 4.12.2009
Director: Paul Weitz
Cast: John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson
A young boy named Darren Shan meets a mysterious man at a freak show who turns out to be a Vampire. After a series of events Darren must leave his normal life and go on the road with the Cirque Du Freak and become a Vampire.

Astro Boy (Family Night)
Saturday 5.12.2009
Director: David Bowers
Cast: Kristen Bell, Nicolas Cage
When a scientist’s young son dies, he secretly creates a powerful robot child to replace him, however the robot uses it’s incredible powers to become a world famous super-hero, and faces his biggest challenge when an alien race threatens…

Bollywood “Surprise night “
Sunday 6.12.2009
Want a taste of Bollywood? Come to the special “Surprise Night” to find out more. Bollywood films are mostly musicals and are expected to contain catchy music in the form of song-and-dance numbers woven into the spirit.

Amelia (Closing Night)
Monday 7.12.2009
Director: Mira Nair
Cast: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere
A look at the life of legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart, who disappeared while flying over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 in an attempt to make a flight around the world.
Swiss Open Air is a giant – over 4000 square foot – screen rising six stories high and accompanied by a 32 speaker digital surround sound system. The movie nights will be accompanied by a food festival serving international cuisine and the Red Bull bar, as well as a DJ which will host an after-party on Thursday nights.

The specially made screens were first developed in 1989 as the world’s largest hydraulically erected mobile screens. Despite their enormous size and weight (up to 70 tons), the screens can be dismantled for convenient transport and are constantly on tour around the world playing to movie lovers in cities such as Zurich, Basel, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and Pusan in South Korea , where over 5000 people turn out for the show every night.

For detailed movie listings, timings and ticket information, please visit www.openaircinema.ae

SwissOpenAir Cinema will run every night from November 26 – December 7, with doors opening at 7pm for dinner and drinks, and will run into the night with entertainment following each premier.

Ticket sales: AED 55 at Time Out Tickets and Virgin megastore Ticketing Box Office. Tickets are also available onsite from 6pm.

The event is supported by Dubai International Film Festival. The Official location sponsor is Dubai Media City.

Supported sponsors are: Dubai Media Inc., Khaleej Times and International Herald Tribune. Media partners: Ahlan, Time Out Dubai, Channel 4 radio network and Virgin Megastore. Communication support: SpotON media and events. The official carrier: Turkish Airlines. Hospitality support: Radisson Blu hotel, Dubai Deira Creek.

source-http://www.dubaicityguide.com/site/news/news-details.asp?newsid=26740

UAE vampire

fans are set to be among the first to get their teeth into New Moon, the much anticipated next instalment of the popular Twilight series.

In a special showing, New Moon will play the world’s largest outdoor movie screen at the SwissOpenAir Cinema on the opening night of its return to Dubai this month.

Starting with New Moon, SwissOpenAir Cinema will take place at the Media City Amphitheatre, and run every night from November 26 – 7 December, with doors opening at 7pm for dinner and drinks, and will run into the night

with special entertainment and DJ.

Farzin Samadian, CEO of SwissOpenAir Concept says that New Moon is set to be one of the biggest movies of the year which is why it was so important to secure it for the open air cinema’s opening night.

“Everyone is very excited about this movie and we are really proud to be one of the first locations in the world to screen it. We would like to thank Gulf Film for providing us with this great screening opportunity” he said.

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner reprise their roles as Bella Swan, Edward Cullen and Jacob Black. Academy Award-nominee Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass, About A Boy) is the director.

Also rejoining the movie are Ashley Greene as Alice, Peter Facinelli as Carlisle, Elizabeth Reaser as Esme, Kellan Lutz as Emmett, Nikki Reed as Rosalie, Jackson Rathbone as Jasper, Edi Gathegi as Laurent, Rachelle Lafevre as Victoria and Billy Burke as Charlie Swan.

In New Moon, Bella Swan is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love Edward but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irresistible Jacob Black. Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves, ancestral enemies of the vampires, and she finds her loyalties tested.

Sam Samadian, Chairman of SwissOpenAir Concept says that for the last 21 years SwissOpenAir cinema has been developing its outdoor screen technology and surrounding sound systems.

“Our screen is a 70 Ton steel structure consisting of Hydraulic engines which erect the 4000 square foot screen from a horizontal position to its vertical showtime

position. The whole operation of raising the screen consists of graphical and laser shows and a soundtrack, and takes about five minutes. The screen itself consists of several sensors for wind protection, light absorbing technique.”

The air conditioned projection room houses the latest projection technique for 35mm films, and the sound and surrounding system is tailor made design for each unique location.

source-http://www.eyeofdubai.com/v1/news/newsdetail-36164.htm