Pathe' Cinemas, Europe’s leading exhibitor, and Imax have announced a significant expansion to their historical partnership with five new Imax with Laser systems, including four in France. The new agreement also spans distribution, with Imax and Pathe Live, Pathe's subsidiary dedicated to production and distribution of event cinema, set to release three upcoming Pathe Live films across the Imax network.
The first of the three films under the deal will be the first-ever Filmed for Imax classical ballet stage performance released in cinemas. Co-produced by Paris Opera and Pathe Live and distributed worldwide by Pathe Live, Rudolf Nureyev's choreographed ballet Swan Lake will be performed by the Paris Opera Ballet and filmed next summer with Imax certified cameras for a targeted global release at the end of 2024.
In 2022, Imax and Pathe Live successfully collaborated on the first concert ever to be released through the Filmed for Imax camera program, Indochine's Central Tour.
"This agreement advances two key strategic priorities for Imax: expanding our network in the thriving French cinema market and further diversifying our content portfolio across new experiences," said Imax CEO Rich Gelfond. "Pathe' Cinemas continues to be one of our premier global strategic partners, as it expands one of the world's most successful Imax circuits and brings new cinematic experiences to its audiences through Imax technology."
"We are delighted to deepen our historical partnership with Imax through this new agreement which represents a significant milestone in our strategic alliance," said Aurélien Bosc, chairman of Pathe' Cinemas. "Leveraging on the strong Imax brand and its state-of-the-art technical features, we reinforce our premium strategy by offering moviegoers emotional experiences within our cinemas and the unique opportunity to watch exclusive Live content in Imax theatres."
Imax www.imax.com
Pathe' Cinemas pathe.com