'Black Panther' and popcorn, Saudia Arabia opens its doors to a 'new era'
Black panther/Saudi arabia cinema ban
Marvel's super hit film Black Panther was the first movie that premiered in Saudi Arabia's first movie theatre on Wednesday
Men and women of Saudi Arabia gathered to watch Hollywood’s blockbuster hit Black Panther on Wednesday as the movie premiered in the country’s first movie theatre.
The attendees had private invites and it was an invitation-only screening yet the nation and its people are hopeful of a free world tomorrow. It is being seen as an era where women can drive, go to concerts and enjoy music.
Speaking to AP, Rahaf Alhendi, who attended the show said, "It's a new era, a new age. It's that simple. Things are changing, progress is happening. We're opening up and we're catching up with everything that's happening in the world.”
According to the authorities, the public would be able to purchase tickets online on Thursday for shows starting this Friday but, there may be delays.
Movies screened in Saudi cinemas will be subject to approval by government censors, and Wednesday night's premiere was no exception. Scenes of violence were allowed to go through, but a final scene involving a kiss was axed.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been pushing through a number of social reforms with support from his father, King Salman, to satisfy the country's majority young population. Also Read:Fashionably late: Saudi Arabia hosts its first-ever fashion week
"This is a historic day for your country," Adam Aron, CEO of AMC Entertainment, told the crowd at the screening. "It's been about 37 years since you've been able to watch movies the way movies are meant to be watched in a theatre, together on a big screen."