October 29, 2007--IMAX Corporation has announced an agreement with Al Amine Investissement, a leading commercial retail developer in Morocco, to install an IMAX theater in the city of Casablanca. Scheduled for installation in early 2009, the IMAX theater will be an anchor attraction at the new Morocco Mall, which is expected to be the largest mall in the country. The announcement marks IMAX's first contract in Morocco.
Under the terms of the agreement, the developer is contracted to install an IMAX MPX theater system, and both parties have agreed to install IMAX's new digital theater system instead if it becomes available on or before the installation date. IMAX's digital theater system is currently in the advanced stages of development. The IMAX theater will be capable of playing 2D and 3D films.
"Our entry into Morocco reflects the growing international appeal of the IMAX brand, which currently has a presence in over 40 countries," said IMAX Co-CEO's and Co-Chairmen Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Al Amine Investissement is a leading commercial developer in Morocco, and through our partnership with them, we are looking forward to introducing the IMAX brand to moviegoers in and around Casablanca."
"The IMAX Experience gives us the ability to offer a cinematic experience that far exceeds any other in Morocco," said Selwa Akhannouch, President and Director General, Groupe Aksal, a co-owner of Al Amine Investissement. "We believe the IMAX theater will be a perfect fit for our project in Casablanca because the world-famous IMAX brand brings a prestigious image to our mall."
Emad Eldin Abdalla, Director General of Nesk Investment, which is also a co-owner of Al Amine Investissement, added, "The new IMAX theater enables us to offer moviegoers a whole new way to experience Hollywood movies. Further, our new IMAX theater will deliver a cinematic experience that consumers can't get at home--and that will be good for all areas of our business at this location."
Morocco Mall is the largest shopping mall project across North Africa. Taking advantage of a strategic location of 24.71 acres along the ocean, the site promises to become a destination for an anticipated 15 million visitors per year. Only ten minutes from the city center of Casablanca, with five points of entry, 200 stores, 40 restaurants and several leisure and entertainment venues, Morocco Mall will considerably increase the commercial and leisure offering available to residents and tourists in Casablanca.
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