icflix, the region’s first online streaming media platform is set to launch its subscription and on-demand services in the UAE and the MENA region from June, with plans for a global launch later this year. The platform will be streaming licensed content from Hollywood, Bollywood and Jazwood (Arabic content) including movies, TV series, sports, children’s […]
icflix, the region’s first online streaming media platform is set to launch its subscription and on-demand services in the UAE and the MENA region from June, with plans for a global launch later this year.
The platform will be streaming licensed content from Hollywood, Bollywood and Jazwood (Arabic content) including movies, TV series, sports, children’s programming, exclusive content and much more over a wide range of connected devices including PCs, Macs, smart TVs, smart phones, tablets and gaming consoles.
The service will be available for a low monthly subscription fee to be announced later, while selected premium content will be offered on an ‘on-demand’ basis. The platform will feature slick designs and intuitive navigation and filtering options, an extensive library containing thousands of titles from Hollywood, Bollywood, Jazwood (Arabic content) and beyond, while the back-end employs state of the art technology that rivals the most advanced in the world of online streaming. The company also revealed social plugins that allow rating, sharing, and recommending to friends will form a crucial part of the platform.
Commenting on the new platform, Fadi Mehio, Chairman of icflix, said: “Technology has transformed the way we live, but many of us still view entertainment through traditional mediums because, until now, we didn’t have another choice.”
“icflix is about giving people choices, about catering to a new way of living that technology has made possible. This region consumes more online video content than any other in the world, and icflix was created to satisfy that demand, to give people the ultimate experience in online entertainment.”
Jazwood Studio Signings
In addition to the universally popular Hollywood and the increasingly global Bollywood productions, icflix will also be a home for Arabic content, dubbed Jazwood, with the aim of preserving its value and introducing it to newer audiences around the world. In that regard, icflix has secured licensing agreements form two of the largest production houses in Jazwood: The Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU), and the Arab Radio and Television Network (ART).
Speaking on the agreement, Mr. Mouhamed Abdallah, Chief of Economical Sector at ERTU said: “Arabic cinema and TV have a long history and tradition that ERTU played a major part in creating. We believe icflix is the perfect vehicle to share this content with the generations of today and tomorrow, and to bring it a global audience as well.”
Mr. Mahmoud Elbatt, Regional Marketing Manager at ART said: “icflix is offering us a new way to deliver our content to the viewer, and it is a model that will transform the way people in this region view content. It will make it accessible to more people at their convenience. We are delighted to sign this agreement and are excited about a future with endless possibilities for innovation in our industry.”
Carlos Tibi, CEO of icflix, added: “Today we consume content that is produced in America, Europe, Asia, and other places around the globe. We believe Arabic content has the potential to appeal to such a globalized audience because we have a wealth of talent, creativity and truly original content in the Arab world. In addition to the most recent productions, we are also investing heavily in restoring and digitally re-mastering classic Arabic movies and plays that form part of our culture. It is part of our commitment to Jazwood.”
“Further signings with studios and production houses from Hollywood and Bollywood, as well as Jazwood, will be announced in the near future,” he concluded.
