The Middle East and North African film industry has seen substantial growth in recent years, with new players emerging in the market. One key player that has successfully navigated the fast-changing landscape is Front Row Filmed Entertainment. With a multi-year first look deal with Netflix and a strong distribution network, the company has positioned itself as a leading distributor in the MENA region. This article explores the rise of Front Row and the key players behind its success.
Front Row Filmed Entertainment recently promoted Nicolas Torloting, Carine Chaiban, and Elie Touma to partners. These individuals joined the company in early 2019 and have been instrumental in the company’s expansion. Torloting, currently serving as Front Row’s COO, has played a critical role in driving the company’s operational excellence. Chaiban, on the other hand, has been leading the post-theatrical sales division, ensuring the company’s films reach a wider audience. Touma’s expertise lies in acquisitions and theatrical distribution, contributing to the company’s diverse film catalog.
Front Row Filmed Entertainment has established itself as a pioneer in the MENA market. It was the first distributor in the region to premiere films day and date during the Covid pandemic. Additionally, the company has curated collections on Netflix and other streaming platforms, promoting and championing Arabic cinema. These initiatives have helped Front Row gain recognition and expand its reach in the market.
Distribution and Production
Front Row’s distribution arm is a crucial part of its success. The company handles the release of over 200 films per year, with many of them being released theatrically through its regional distribution network. This network includes joint ventures with Muvi Cinemas in Saudi Arabia and the Kuwait National Cinema Company in Kuwait. Such partnerships have enabled Front Row to have a wider presence in the MENA region and cater to diverse audiences.
In recent years, Front Row has also ventured into film and TV series development and production. The company’s debut production, the Arabic-language Perfect Strangers remake, was a major success, topping the regional charts and gaining international acclaim. Building on this success, Front Row has secured a multi-year first look deal with Netflix and currently has a full slate of features and TV series in development.
Despite the challenges of the MENA market, Front Row’s founder and CEO, Gianluca Chakra, remains optimistic about the future. With Nicolas Torloting, Carine Chaiban, and Elie Touma as partners, Chakra believes that the company has the right pillars in place to continue its upward trajectory. The company is currently in post-production on the atmospheric thriller The Sand Castle, directed by Matty Brown and featuring acclaimed actors Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, and the Capernaum siblings Zain and Reman Al Rafeea. This upcoming film, along with the company’s existing partnerships and robust distribution network, positions Front Row Filmed Entertainment for continued success in the MENA film industry.
Front Row Filmed Entertainment’s rise in the MENA film distribution industry is a testament to its visionary leadership and strategic partnerships. With its commitment to promoting Arabic cinema and its continued expansion in distribution and production, the company has solidified its position as a key player in the region. As the industry evolves further, Front Row is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of MENA cinema.