Latest from Broadcast Pro
Broadcast Pro
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Al-Manaṣa signs content exchange deal with Yango Play
This agreement supports Al-Manaṣa's strategy to enhance its content and diversify entertainment through global and regional streaming partnerships. In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the digital streaming market, Al-Manaṣa, the digital streaming platform in Iraq, has signed a content exchange agreement with Yango Play, an entertainment platform in the Middle East and North Africa region. According to the agreement, Al-Manaṣa will acquire three Yango Originals — One Last Sin, The Magician's Segment and Prestige — giving users in Iraq the opportunity to watch them via the Al-Manaṣa app. In return, Yango Play will receive two of Al-Manaṣa's original titles — The Rass Al-Haram and Coma — to broadcast to its viewers outside of Iraq. Commenting on the agreement, Al-Manaṣa's CEO, Almuheleb AlZaidy, stated: 'We are thrilled about this collaboration with Yango Play. It marks a significant step in our ongoing mission to deliver high-quality, original content that meets the expectations of the Iraqi audience. This agreement further cements Al-Manaṣa's position as the premier digital entertainment destination in Iraq and opens new doors for presenting Arab stories with world-class production values.' Yango Play also expressed its enthusiasm about expanding its footprint in the Iraqi market through this agreement. Khalid Al Sargany, Head of Content Acquisition at Yango Play, MENA, said: 'We are pleased to sign this agreement with Al-Manaṣa, a platform that holds the trust and loyalty of Iraqi users. This collaboration supports our vision at Yango Play to bring our Yango Originals to newer markets within the MENA region.' This content exchange agreement aligns with Al-Manaṣa's broader strategy to enrich its content offering and provide a more diverse and engaging entertainment experience by expanding collaborations with leading global and regional digital content streaming platforms.
Broadcast Pro
16 hours ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
ST Engineering iDirect and solutions by stc to advance satcom services in KSA
Under this deal, solutions by stc has significantly expanded its ST Engineering iDirect ground network by incorporating advanced products designed for both fixed and mobile applications. ST Engineering iDirect has entered a strategic partnership with solutions by stc to enhance satellite communication services across Saudi Arabia, in alignment with the Kingdoms Vision 2030. The collaboration aims to accelerate the nations digital transformation by leveraging local satellite assets to deliver secure, resilient, and adaptable connectivity across a wide range of sectors. As part of this initiative, solutions by stc has significantly upgraded its ST Engineering iDirect ground infrastructure, integrating advanced technologies to support both fixed and mobile applications. These improvements will enable the delivery of reliable and scalable satellite connectivity to key customers, including government agencies, enterprises, and telecom operators. With software-upgradable solutions at its core, the network is well-positioned to evolve alongside Saudi Arabias rapidly expanding digital landscape. The Kingdoms digital economy is on a fast growth trajectory, expected to increase from $55.15bn in 2025 to $90.25bn by 2030. This partnership enhances solutions by stcs capacity to meet growing demand for high-speed, cost-efficient communications and strengthens its role in supporting Saudi Arabias ambitious development goals. Commenting on the collaboration, Don Claussen, CEO at ST Engineering iDirect, said: 'This collaboration with solutions by stc is a testament to our shared vision of delivering advanced connectivity solutions that empower digital transformation across the Kingdom. We are honored to contribute to Saudi Arabias efforts in building a robust, future-ready connectivity framework.' By combining local expertise with cutting-edge satellite technology, the partnership marks a major step forward in expanding the Kingdoms digital infrastructure and fulfilling the connectivity needs of its Vision 2030 agenda.
Broadcast Pro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
‘Once Upon a Time in Gaza' set for French theatrical release
The film tells the story of Yahya, a young student in Gaza who forms an unlikely friendship with Osama, a kind-hearted yet streetwise restaurant owner. As they deliver falafel sandwiches, they begin secretly dealing drugs, only to find themselves entangled in conflict with a corrupt police officer. The film's narrative blends humor and sharp social commentary, painting a vivid portrait of life under pressure. Once Upon a Time in Gaza is an international co-production involving France, Palestine, Germany, Portugal, Qatar and Jordan. The cast features Nader Abd Alhay (from Farah on Netflix), Ramzi Maqdisi (Ghost Hunting) and Majd Eid (Holy Spider), with cinematographer Christophe Graillot and editor Sophie Reine contributing to the film's visual and narrative craft. The Nasser brothers co-wrote the screenplay alongside Amer Nasser and Marie Legrand. The film was produced by Rani Massalha and Marie Legrand of Les Films du Tambour, and Muriel Merlin of Lyly Productions, with additional co-producers including Rise Studios, Made in Palestine Project, Red Balloon Film, Riva Filmproduktion, and Ukbar Filmes. Executive production was provided by Jordan Pioneers Multi Media and Slate Films Services, along with several international partners such as A. A. Films, Cocoon Films, and Radio e Televisao De Portugal. French distribution is being handled by Dulac Distribution, with MAD Distribution overseeing Arab world distribution and The Party Film Sales managing international sales.
Broadcast Pro
a day ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
SatVu partners to support NGA's Luno GEOINT programmes
The Luno Programme is part of NGA's strategy to support defence and intelligence operations with accessible commercial data. SatVu, a frontrunner in high-resolution thermal imaging from space, has announced a strategic partnership with five key industry players to support the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's (NGA) Luno A and Luno B programmes. Through these collaborations, the NGA will gain access to cutting-edge commercial data aimed at strengthening defence and intelligence operations. The Luno B initiative is a cornerstone of the NGA's broader plan to integrate commercial geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) into national security frameworks. With a focus on unclassified, high-quality data and advanced analytics powered by artificial intelligence, the programme is designed to deliver timely insights that support critical decision-making across a wide range of security scenarios. As part of this effort, SatVu will contribute its advanced thermal imaging technology, integrating it with complementary data provided by its teammates and Prime Contractors. This integration will allow the NGA to monitor global activity in difficult conditions, such as low-light or obscured environments. The thermal data will enhance the agencys ability to detect hidden trends, anticipate potential outcomes, and react swiftly to emerging challenges or opportunities. The collaboration aims to significantly elevate geospatial intelligence capabilities. By fusing SatVus thermal imagery with AI-enhanced analytics, the programme will provide deeper insights into industrial changes, infrastructure developments, and urban activity that often go undetected by traditional sensors. It will also enable more precise monitoring of global economic trends through supply chain and industrial analysis, as well as deliver actionable intelligence to military and policy leaders. Speaking on the partnership, SatVu Founder and CEO, Anthony Baker, said: 'Our collaboration with industry leaders reflects a shared commitment to advancing geospatial intelligence for national security and global resilience. By integrating SatVus high-resolution thermal imagery with cutting-edge data and analytics, were delivering a new activity layer to support mission-critical decision-making in the NGAs Luno B programme.' Looking ahead, SatVu plans to further enhance its space-based capabilities with the launch of its next-generation thermal satellites. HotSat-2 is set for deployment in the fourth quarter of 2025, followed by HotSat-3 within the following year, positioning the company to provide real-time, high-resolution thermal intelligence at an unprecedented scale.
Broadcast Pro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Disney's live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch' tops MENA box office in 2025
It also became the highest grossing dubbed title to release in MENA cinemas, following strong performance of its Arabic version in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Iraq. Audiences across the Middle East and North Africa have flocked to cinemas to catch Disney's live-action reimagining of Lilo & Stitch, which has quickly become the region's biggest box office success of 2025. Since its release in May, the beloved blue alien Stitch has captured hearts once again, propelling the film to record-breaking heights. It is now the highest-grossing film of the year across the region, the third highest-grossing Disney live-action title of all time in MENA, and the seventh highest-grossing Disney release ever in the territory. The film has also made history as the most successful Arabic-dubbed title to hit MENA cinemas, with its theatrical release in both Arabic and English in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Iraq. The decision to offer a localised version alongside the original has resonated strongly with audiences, particularly families, who have embraced the movie's humor, emotion, and nostalgia. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), the new Lilo & Stitch stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance and Zach Galifianakis. Producers Jonathan Eirich and Dan Lin helm the project, with Tom Peitzman and Ryan Halprin serving as executive producers. A touching and wildly entertaining retelling of the 2002 animated classic, the film follows the unlikely bond between a lonely Hawaiian girl and a mischievous alien fugitive who ultimately helps her heal her broken family. Its blend of heart and hilarity has drawn both longtime fans and new audiences into cinemas across the region. Since his debut over two decades ago, the character has gained an enormous fan following, and this latest success underscores his enduring appeal. Stitch-branded merchandise—from fashion and toys to homeware—is flying off the shelves at retailers throughout the region, with Disney Stores in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City and Doha reporting especially high demand for Stitch-themed products. In celebration of the film's release, the iconic character has even been making special appearances in malls across MENA. The studio is set to release a wave of major films in the coming months, including Elio (with an Egyptian Arabic dub in select markets), The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Freakier Friday, TRON: Ares, Zootropolis 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash.
