Picturehouse Cinemas’ Clare Binns to Receive 2024 Unic Achievement Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRUSSELS, NEW YORK – 11 APRIL 2024: CLARE BINNS, Managing Director of both Picturehouse Cinemas and its prize-winning distribution arm Picturehouse Entertainment, has been named as the 2024 recipient of the UNIC Achievement Award, given each year in recognition of outstanding dedication and service to European cinema exhibition. The Award will be presented as part of the CineEurope Awards Ceremony on Thursday 20 June at the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain.

Clare Binns has for over 40 years dedicated her career to the cinema industry, with a particular passion for – and commitment to – bringing world cinema to local audiences.

From her start in the 1980s as a cinema usher, to projectionist, cinema manager and now Managing Director, Clare has constantly sought opportunities to enhance the cultural and social value of cinema and in recent years has successfully overseen the expansion of Picturehouse Cinemas, the company now operating 28 welcoming and innovative neighbourhood cinemas, somewhere you’re always likely to find Clare enjoying a film.

Her unparalleled dedication has been celebrated on numerous occasions: in 2009 she received the WFTV Contribution to the Medium Award, in 2010 she was ranked 70th in the Guardian Film Power 100 list and in 2015, as well as winning the Screen Awards Exhibition Achievement Award, Variety named her as one of the 25 individuals driving the London entertainment scene. Her continuous involvement in both the London Film Festival Industry Liaison Committee and the BAFTA Learning and Events Committee is further proof of her deep commitment to the industry.

Welcoming the announcement of the Award, Phil Clapp, President of UNIC said: “We are absolutely delighted to honour Clare at CineEurope 2024. The award recognises her incredible passion for the Big Screen, her outstanding career and her key role in developing not just the UK cinema sector, but an influence that goes far beyond the boundaries of her home nation. Clare’s contribution to cinema programming and audience development have been widely recognised, and her leadership continues to shape the industry.

On behalf of the UNIC Board and colleagues from across the industry, I would like to congratulate Clare for this wonderful achievement.”

About CineEurope

CineEurope 2024 will take place from 17-20 June at the Centre Convencions

Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will

feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored events, timely and informative seminars and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

About UNIC

The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and neighbouring regions. About Film Expo Group The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.

Further enquiries

lgaltier@unic-cinemas.org / +32 484 183910 | #CineEurope | @CineEurope

NEW YORK, NY — Apollo Kino have been named as the 2024 recipient of the “International Exhibitor of the Year” award at CineEurope. The award will be presented as part of the CineEurope Awards Ceremony hosted by The Coca-Cola Company on Thursday, 20 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. Accepting on behalf of Apollo Kino will be CEO Kadri Ärm.

Each year at CineEurope, the International Exhibitor Award is given to a cinema exhibitor whose accomplishments, new developments, growth, and market leadership make them the standard-bearer for the industry.

“We are thrilled to be recognizing Apollo Kino this year with our International Exhibitor of the Year award at CineEurope” said Andrew Sunshine, President of The Film Expo Group.

“Apollo Kino has been a great asset to the Baltic region building a culture of modernization for cinemas, changing the movie-going experience with new concepts along with their growth throughout the region. They have proven to be an industry innovator, and we congratulate all on this well-deserved honor.”

Welcoming today’s announcement, UNIC CEO Laura Houlgatte added:

“We are delighted that Apollo Kino is the 2024 International Exhibitor of the Year. A leading cinema chain in the Baltics, they have continued to expand and strengthen in recent years and consistently offer a great experience to its audiences across the Baltics. We look forward to celebrating together at CineEurope!”

Apollo Kino operates 18 cinemas and 91 screens in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with almost 3.5 million visitors every year. Apollo Kino cinemas provide an innovative and customer-focussed cinema experience, operating on a self-service concept, allowing customers to purchase tickets and snacks without traditional queuing, ensuring a contactless and seamless experience. As Apollo Kino continues to evolve and innovate, it remains committed to delivering unparalleled entertainment and a truly immersive cinematic journey for its audiences across Estonia and the Baltic region.

About CineEurope

CineEurope 2024 will take place on 17-20 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional

Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored networking events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

About UNIC

The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and in neighbouring regions.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.

Additional information on CineEurope can be found at www.cineeurope.net.

Media Contact:

Dawn Blaschick dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

AMILLY, FRANCE –1^ST JUNE 2023 — Harkness Screens the world’s leading screen technology company and thought-leaders in on-screen brightness is delighted to confirm that it has once again partnered with the Film Expo Group to provide its leading Clarus XC technology for the convention.

A permanent fixture at Cine Europe since 2014, Clarus XC technology will be utilised to showcase all 2D and 3D theatrical presentations during Cine Europe 2023.

“We’re delighted to once again partner with our colleagues at Harkness Screens to bring the best-in-class screen technology to our attendees.  We know that the screens they provide help to deliver immersive experiences that leave our audiences wowed whilst also providing assurance to our studio partners that their content will be shown in the best possible way,” explains Andrew Sunshine, President of the Film Expo Group.

The show’s auditorium inside the CCIB will feature a 26.35m x 7.5m Clarus XC 170 mini-perforated screen. Designed to work with all polarised 3D systems, Clarus XC 170 is regarded by exhibitors throughout Europe and across the world as the screen of choice for laser projection due to its speckle reduction properties that help to deliver perfect images.  Its unique coating technology creates ultra-wide viewing angles and a visibly whiter finish under projected light than traditional 3D screens creating richer colours, maintaining contrast and delivering a sharper picture.  Harkness’ unique mini-perforation pattern is designed to support the use of 4K projection and will assist in the CCIB projection delivering images clear of moiré.

Custom made for Cine Europe at Harkness’ leading screen manufacturing facility in Amilly, France, the screens supplied to the show showcase a number of built-in technologies that enable Harkness’ screen to deliver improvements to the environmental impact of screens.  Since 2017, 100% of Harkness coated cinema screen technologies have been produced using water-based coatings, a move that has enabled Harkness to remove a significant proportion of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from production and in turn pollutants from the atmosphere whilst ensuring Harkness’ surfaces including Clarus XC technology are the industry gold standard for fire safety when tested against BS EN 13501-1 and NFPA 701.

“We’re delighted to continue our long association with the biggest and best movie convention in Europe providing our Clarus XC technology to such an incredible venue,” explains Eric Martin, General Manager at Harkness Screens’ French Manufacturing facility (Demospec).   “Our team value the partnership with the Film Expo Group and it is an honour to be able to support our colleagues in distribution to showcase what promises to be an amazing slate that will undoubtedly help the industry continue its strong recovery.  We are also delighted to be able to utilise our proximity to the European market through our global manufacturing network to provide our screens to CineEurope with the lowest possible carbon footprint saving as much as 75% of CO2e emissions associated with transportation and logistics versus screens sourced outside of Europe,” he concludes.

For further information on Clarus XC screens, visit www.harkness-screens.com/clarus-xc

About Harkness Screens

Harkness Screens™ is the world’s leading screen technology company, specialising in the design and manufacture of projection screens and supporting technologies for cinema and live events. From single-screen independent theatres to large multiplexes to large format immersive theatre experiences or live events, Harkness supplies thousands of screens every year helping provide outstanding presentation experiences to audiences around the world.

With global reach, Harkness is regarded as the world leader in cinema and has screens in more cinemas worldwide than any other manufacturer. With its industry leading 2D and 3D screen brands (Perlux HiWhite, Clarus XC, Precision White, Nova and Spectral) along with an innovative range of presentation monitoring tools (Qalif), digital surveying services and suite of cinema design and specification apps, Harkness continues to lead the way in screen technology for cinema.

Founded in 1929, Harkness has manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, France, India and China and combines unrivalled experience with the latest technology and production methods to provide innovative solutions to the company’s key markets.  For more information, visit the Harkness Screens web page at www.harkness-screens.com.

About CineEurope

CineEurope 2023 will take place 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored networking events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

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HARKNESS CONTACT:

Richard Mitchell

Harkness Screens

Unit 1 Caxton Place

Caxton Way

Stevenage

SG1 2UG, UK.

Tel: +44 (0)1438 725200

Email: r.mitchell@harkness-screens.com

Web: www.harkness-screens.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2023

CINEEUROPE AND COCA-COLA TO PREMIERE THE SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

TO KINOPOLIS GROUP AT CINEEUROPE 2023

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, MAY 2023 – CineEurope is pleased to announce that the premiere of the Sustainability Award will be bestowed upon Kinopolis Group at this year’s convention, to be held from 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. The award will be presented as part of the CineEurope Awards Ceremony hosted by the Coca-Cola Company on Thursday, 22 June. Accepting the award will be Dr. Gregory Theile, CEO and Andreas Hufer, Head of Sales and Business Development, Kinopolis-Group.

“We are honored to present this award at CineEurope with our Official Corporate Sponsor, Coca-Cola, and publicly recognize Kinopolis for their eco-conscious efforts, expressed Andrew Sunshine, President of the Film Expo Group. “It’s imperative that we keep up a constant dialogue regarding sustainability and the symbiotic relationship our industry has with the surrounding earth.”

“We are delighted to acknowledge Kinopolis as the first recipient of this award at CineEurope 2023, says Nick Gault, Coca-Cola Away From Home Customers Director.   “In 2022, The Coca-Cola Company announced an industry-leading goal to significantly boost its use of reusable packaging. By 2030, we aim to have at least 25% of all beverages globally across its portfolio of brands sold in refillable/returnable glass or plastic bottles, or in refillable containers through traditional fountain or Coca-Cola Freestyle dispensers.  This means we are all having to adapt and change our business operations. Kinopolis’ leadership, collaboration and transparency in sharing their learnings in the application of reusable packaging means the whole industry benefits.”

About Kinopolis Group

Kinopolis is a family-run business that has prospered for more than 115 years and is now run in the fourth generation. With over 17 sites, 142 screens, and 25.000 seats, they cover a wide variety of cinemas: from award-winning arthouse to Germanys most attended multiplex, the Mathaeser Filmpalast in Munich.

About CineEurope

CineEurope 2023 will take place 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

About UNIC

The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 37 countries in Europe and in neighbouring regions.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.

Additional information can be found at www.filmexpos.com.

Media Contact:

Dawn Blaschick

dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2023

COMSCORE TO PRESENT THE 2023 EUROPEAN BOX OFFICE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO UNIVERSAL PICTURES INTERNATIONAL AT CINEEUROPE 2023

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, MAY 2023 – CineEurope is pleased to announce that global box office data leader, Comscore, will present the 2023 European Box Office Achievement Award at this year’s convention to be held from 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. The award will be presented as part of the CineEurope Awards Ceremony hosted by the Coca-Cola Company on Thursday, 22 June.

“We are very excited to be able to present this award at CineEurope and highlight the wonderful contribution that Universal Pictures International has made to the European marketplace in just the first six months of 2023,” expressed Andrew Sunshine, President of Film Expo Group. “Being able to work with our partners at Comscore and help congratulate Veronika, Niels, and the entire team at Universal Pictures International with this Award is very exciting” continued Sunshine.

“Comscore is proud to present the 2023 European Box Office Achievement Award to Universal Pictures International. Universal’s box office performance is up an impressive 74% over the same period last year in Europe,” stated Mike Viane, Head of Global Revenue, Comscore movies. “Universal’s commitment to delivering content to theatres not only in Europe, but around the globe, has played an integral role in the overall health of the theatrical marketplace.”

Universal Pictures International leads the European Distributor Market Share January through May 2023. Highlights of their new releases include: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which has become the most successful 2023 opener in Europe so far this year. The movie barreled into 2023 garnering over $312M in the European markets in 2023 and has earned $717.5M internationally and $1.278B worldwide as of May 28th, 2023. Also notable was Puss in Boots: The Last Wish which earned $298M at the international box office, with over $157M coming from the European market. Over $100M of that European total was earned in 2023.

Universal’s Fast X, with the biggest cast ensemble yet, recently crossed the $500M mark at the global market at the end of May making it part of the 5th largest franchise of all time, and the #3 biggest MPA film of 2023 globally and internationally. Fast X earned over $99M in Europe by its second weekend in May 2023 and held the #1 spot in several European territories including Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Portugal, and Turkey.

“We are thrilled to be honored in this way by our partners at CineEurope and Comscore,” said Paul Higginson, Executive Vice President of EMEA for Universal Pictures International. “At Universal, we are dedicated to creating films that delight and inspire audiences and that drive a vibrant, thriving theatrical market around the globe. The record-breaking success of Illumination and Nintendo’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, DreamWorks Animation’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and now Fast X, are all prime examples of what we can achieve together with vision, ambition, and commitment, not just this year, but in all the years ahead. We can’t wait to take that journey with our partners and with audiences across Europe and the world.”

About Comscore
Comscore (NASDAQ: SCOR) is a trusted partner for planning, transacting and evaluating media across platforms, providing marketing data and analytics to major movie studios, media and advertising agencies and publishers. As a pioneering audience measurement company, Comscore was founded with a mission to solve the most complex challenges in the media ecosystem. Today, that challenge is accurately measuring audiences in an increasingly cross-platform world. Comscore plays an integral role in the media ecosystem. Our partners include the largest television networks, all major Movie studios digital media properties, brands, agencies, and film studios in the world. More than 1,700 people worldwide comprise Comscore’s team of data scientists, product engineers, customer success partners, and more.

Comscore Movies division is the recognized global market leader in box office measurement, providing crucial box office measurement information to every major studio, mini-major studio and prominent independent distributor in the worldwide theatrical industry. The Movies platform provides access to worldwide film performance data with a virtual, all-inclusive view of the global box office.

About CineEurope
CineEurope 2023 will take place 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

About UNIC
The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 37 countries in Europe and in neighbouring regions.

About Film Expo Group
The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.

Additional information can be found at www.filmexpos.com.

Media Contact:

Dawn Blaschick
dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

RECIPIENTS OF 2023 CINEEUROPE GOLD AWARDS ANNOUNCED

BRUSSELS, NEW JERSEY — May 2023: The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) and the Film Expo Group are delighted to announce the 2023 recipients of the CineEurope Gold Awards, given to cinema professionals for their outstanding dedication and service to the sector. The Awards will be presented as part of the CineEurope Awards Ceremony on Thursday 22 June at the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain.

The Gold Awards, introduced at CineEurope 2018, recognise those individuals who have made an exceptional contribution both to the ongoing success of their company or organisation and also to the wider European cinema industry.

The recipients of the 2023 Gold Awards are as follows:

Ron Sterk, Vue Nederland

Javier Hoyos, Odeon Cinemas Group

Jan Rasmussen, Nordisk Film Cinemas

Kelly Drew, Cineworld Group

Kadri Kaldma, Apollo Cinema

Tõnis Kümnik, Cinamon Group

Max Bell, Bell Theatre Services

Welcoming the announcement of the Awards, President of UNIC Phil Clapp said:

“Once again, we have been amazed by the quality and quantity of industry colleagues put forward for our annual Gold Awards, underlining the depth of talent there is across our sector.”

Andrew Sunshine, President of The Film Expo Group, added:

“On behalf of our entire team at the Film Expo Group, we would like to congratulate all of those being recognized with a Gold Award this year for their continued support and dedication to our great industry.”

About CineEurope

CineEurope 2023 will take place 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

About UNIC

The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and in neighbouring regions.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.

Additional information can be found at www.filmexpos.com.

Media Contact:

dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

Further enquiries

lhoulgatte@unic-cinemas.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HANS-JOACHIM FLEBBE TO RECEIVE 2023 UNIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

BRUSSELS, NEW YORK – 5 April 2023: HANS-JOACHIM FLEBBE, Founder and Managing Director of Astor Film Lounge and Zoo Palast, has been named as the 2023 recipient of the UNIC Achievement Award, given each year in recognition of outstanding dedication and service to European cinema exhibition. The Award will be presented as part of the CineEurope Awards Ceremony on Thursday 22 June at the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain.

Hans-Joachim Flebbe has dedicated his career to the cinema industry for over 40 years, with a continued passion for and commitment to the highest standards of theatrical presentation.

From his debut in 1972 as a booking officer then programmer at the Apollo Cinema in Hanover, to opening his first cinemas in 1977 with the Kinos am Raschplatz, founding the CinemaxX Group and opening the first CinemaxX cinema in Hanover in March 1991, Flebbe has re-invented the cinema experience several times, with an unique ability to mix technology with tradition.

CinemaxX grew to be number one operator in Germany with at least 38 sites and more than ten locations in Denmark, Switzerland and Turkey. CinemaxX went public on the stock exchange in 1998. After 20 years as Managing Director and Board member, Hans-Joachim Flebbe left CinemaxX AG at the end of 2008.

Hans-Joachim’s passion has always been around art-house films and the renovation of historical cinemas. In 2008, he took over several cinemas including the Filmpalast Berlin, and converted them into luxury lounge cinemas, founding the ASTOR Film Lounge chain and developing an innovative premium cinema offer. Flebbe also renovated and reopened Berlin’s long-established Zoo Palast cinema in 2013, which he still operates to this day.

Today, the premium cinemas of the ASTOR Group are present in other major German cities, with Germany’s most traditional “Grand Cinema” – the Zoo Palast in Berlin – and the ASTOR Grand Cinema in Hanover (which was the first CinemaxX in 1991) also being part of the group.

Welcoming the announcement of the Award, Phil Clapp, President of UNIC said:

“We are absolutely delighted to honour Hans-Joachim at CineEurope 2023. The award recognises his incredible passion for the Big Screen, his outstanding career and his key role in developing both the German and European cinema-going experience.

On behalf of the UNIC Board and colleagues from across the industry, I would like to congratulate Hans-Joachim for this wonderful achievement.”

About CineEurope

CineEurope 2023 will take place from 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored events, timely and informative seminars and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

About UNIC

The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and neighbouring regions.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.

Further enquiries

lhoulgatte@unic-cinemas.org / +32 2 880 99 39 | #CineEurope | @CineEurope

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2023

WARNER BROS. PICTURES’ TONIS KIIS TO RECEIVE “INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR” AWARD AT CINEEUROPE

NEW YORK, NY – Tonis Kiis, Senior Vice President, International Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures has been named the 2023 “International Distributor of the Year” award recipient at CineEurope. The award will be presented as part of the CineEurope Awards Ceremony hosted by the Coca-Cola Company on Thursday, 22 June, at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain.

“We are so excited to present this award to my friend Tonis,” stated Andrew Sunshine, President of Film Expo Group. “Tonis has played such a key role at Warner Bros. as they continue to expand and lead by example in the International Market.”

“He is so deserving of this recognition and it is fitting that we can celebrate him for this milestone achievement in 2023 – the same year as Warner Bros. Studios’ centennial celebration,” continued Sunshine.

Welcoming the announcement, Phil Clapp, President of the European cinema trade body UNIC, added, “UNIC is delighted in joining colleagues from across the industry in congratulating Tonis Kiis on his richly-deserved recognition as CineEurope 2023 International Distributor of the Year.”

Tonis Kiis currently serves as Senior Vice President, International Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. Based in Los Angeles, he is responsible for a wide range of theatrical film distribution activities in more than 125 countries internationally, including release planning, filmmaker relationships, partnerships with theatrical exhibitors, business development initiatives, and emerging cinema technologies.

During his more than 14 years in distribution, Kiis has helped the Studio amass a staggering $35.4 billion in international box office. Working with one of the most robust and diverse slates in the industry, he has helped guide international release strategies to maximize box office for such hugely successful film franchises as Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, The Hobbit Trilogy, DC’s Joker, Wonder Woman, Shazam!, and the highest-grossing DC title of all time, Aquaman, with its sequel slated for later this year. He has also helped shepherd such acclaimed titles as Dunkirk, A Star Is Born, Dune, and Elvis, to box office success, among numerous others.

Prior to joining Warner Bros. in 2009, Kiis held a number of positions at the Welk Group, Inc., including General Manager of The Welk Studios, a studio facility in Los Angeles. Early on in his career, Kiis also held positions at Warner Bros., as part of the International Theatrical Operations team, and at Walt Disney Studios, where he contributed to the launch of Disney’s electronic sell-through business on emerging digital platforms, including on Apple iTunes.

About CineEurope

CineEurope 2023 will take place 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

About UNIC

The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 37 countries in Europe and in neighbouring regions.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.

Additional information can be found at www.filmexpos.com.

Media Contact:

Dawn Blaschick

dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2023:

NORDISK FILM CINEMAS TO RECEIVE “INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITOR OF THE YEAR” AWARD AT CINEEUROPE 2023

NEW YORK, NY – Nordisk Film Cinemas has been named as the 2023 recipient of the “International Exhibitor of the Year” award at CineEurope. The award will be presented as part of the CineEurope Awards Ceremony hosted by The Coca-Cola Company on Thursday, 22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. Accepting on behalf of Nordisk Film Cinemas will be CEO Asger Flygare Bech-Thomsen.

Each year at CineEurope, the International Exhibitor Award is given to a cinema exhibitor whose accomplishments, new developments, growth, and market leadership make them the standard-bearer for the industry.

“It gives us great pleasure to present the International Exhibitor of the Year award to the Nordisk Film Cinemas chain,” said Andrew Sunshine, President of The Film Expo Group.

“Nordisk Film Cinemas has built a culture of innovation for cinema, changing the movie-going experience in Scandinavia. It has proven to be a pioneer in the industry and we congratulate all on this well-deserved honor.”

Welcoming today’s announcement, UNIC CEO Laura Houlgatte-Abbott added:

“We are delighted that Nordisk Film Cinemas is the 2023 International Exhibitor of the Year. A leading Nordic cinema chain, they have continued to expand and strengthen in recent years and consistently offer a superb experience to its audiences across Denmark, Norway and Sweden. We look forward to celebrating together at CineEurope!”

Nordisk Film Cinemas is the market leader in both Denmark and Norway with 47 cinemas and more than 250 screens across Scandinavia, including Sweden.

It is part of one of the oldest film companies in the World – Nordisk Film founded in 1906 just outside Copenhagen. It invests heavily in superior guest experiences and innovative cinema concepts and has introduced several PLF experiences across its markets including the first THX Ultimate (CGS) Screen in Europe in Imperial in Copenhagen and several 4DX screens.

Nordisk Film Cinemas has spearheaded the conversion of auditoriums to recliners and other upgraded seating options with 75% of cinemas having upgraded seating options totaling a third of all seats, with more to come. It continues to drive the Scandinavian market recovery through its innovative approach to both people and technologies, opening and refurbishing cinemas to provide outstanding cinematic experiences across the region. “We bring stories to life.”

About CineEurope

CineEurope 2023 will take place 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored networking events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).

About UNIC

The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and in neighbouring regions.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.

Additional information on CineEurope can be found at www.cineeurope.net.

Media Contact:

Dawn Blaschick
dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

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