Imax and Wanda Film, China’s leading exhibitor, have recently announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership in China. This partnership, which has been in place for several years, will cover various aspects of technology and content, aiming to enhance the moviegoing experience for audiences in the region. The agreement includes plans for upgrading existing locations, adding new Imax theaters, and collaborating on content creation.
As part of the agreement, Wanda Film will be upgrading 61 of its top-performing locations to feature state-of-the-art Imax with Laser technology. These upgrades will include key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Additionally, Wanda will renew up to 37 existing Imax locations over the next five years and potentially add up to 25 new Imax theaters within the next three years. This move will solidify Wanda’s position as having the largest Imax footprint in China.
In addition to the technology upgrades, the partnership between Imax and Wanda Film will extend to content collaboration. Imax will work closely with Wanda Pictures, the conglomerate’s production and distribution arm, to explore various content and experiences across genres such as documentaries, music, gaming, and sports. This collaboration has already seen success with features like Detective Chinatown 3 in 2021.
Both Imax and Wanda Film recognize the immense opportunities in the Chinese market, especially with a strong lineup of Chinese and Hollywood blockbusters in the pipeline. The renewed commitment from Wanda Film to Imax signifies a growing partnership that will elevate the cinematic experience for audiences in China. Imax CEO Rich Gelfond highlighted the importance of this agreement, stating that it strengthens Imax’s position as the dominant platform for immersive entertainment in China.
Looking ahead, the agreement between Imax and Wanda Film sets the stage for a robust content pipeline in the coming years. With a strong summer slate of films planned for China, as well as a record number of Imax releases globally in 2025, audiences can expect a diverse range of cinematic experiences. The partnership between these two companies, which has been ongoing since 2007, continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry.
The strategic partnership expansion between Imax and Wanda Film in China signifies a monumental step towards enhancing the moviegoing experience for audiences in the region. With technology upgrades, content collaboration, and a strong lineup of films on the horizon, this partnership is poised to deliver innovative and immersive cinematic experiences for years to come. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, collaborations like this one are essential in shaping the future of cinema.
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