In a move signaling growth and development, Front Row Filmed Entertainment, a leading distributor in the Middle East and North African film industry, has promoted three of its staffers to partners. Nicolas Torloting, Carine Chaiban, and Elie Touma, who joined the Dubai-based company in 2019, have played integral roles in the company’s expansion and success. Torloting, currently serving as the COO, has been instrumental in overseeing the company’s operations. On the other hand, Chaiban has taken charge of post-theatrical sales, while Touma has been entrusted with acquisitions and theatrical distribution.
Over the past two decades, Front Row has carved a niche for itself in the MENA market. It was the first distributor in the region to premiere films day & date during the Covid pandemic, demonstrating its ability to adapt and capitalize on new trends. The company has also been a strong advocate for Arabic cinema, curating collections on platforms such as Netflix to promote and champion regional talent. Additionally, Front Row has secured a multi-year output deal with Bein Media Group, a local Pay TV/SVOD platform. With a distribution arm that handles the release of over 200 films annually, the company has built a robust network of theaters through joint ventures with industry giants like Muvi Cinemas in Saudi Arabia and the Kuwait National Cinema Company in Kuwait.
In recent years, Front Row has not only focused on distribution but has also ventured into the development and production of Arabic films and TV series. Its debut production, the Arabic-language remake of Perfect Strangers, became Netflix’s first Arabic Feature Original in 2022. The film not only dominated the regional charts but also gained worldwide recognition, reaching the third spot in global rankings. Having established a strong partnership with Netflix, Front Row now operates under a multi-year first-look deal, fueling its ambition to consistently produce quality content. The company is currently in post-production for Matty Brown’s atmospheric thriller, The Sand Castle, featuring renowned actors Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, and the Capernaum siblings Zain and Reman Al Rafeea.
Front Row Founder and CEO, Gianluca Chakra, expresses his confidence in the company’s future with the promotion of Torloting, Chaiban, and Touma to partner positions. He acknowledges the challenges that come with navigating the MENA market, but he believes that with these talented individuals as pillars of the company, the possibilities for growth are limitless. As Front Row continues its journey in the film industry, it aims to further expand its reach, strengthen its production capabilities, and deliver compelling content to audiences worldwide.
The promotions at Front Row Filmed Entertainment are an exciting development for the company. Through the expertise and dedication of individuals like Nicolas Torloting, Carine Chaiban, and Elie Touma, Front Row is well-positioned to solidify its position as a leading distributor in the MENA film market. The company’s success in navigating the evolving industry landscape, coupled with its foray into production, demonstrates its commitment to innovation and growth. As Front Row continues to push boundaries and explore new opportunities, the sky truly is the limit for this dynamic and ambitious company.
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