Front Row Filmed Entertainment, the independent distributor in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is bolstering its operational prowess by elevating key executives Nicolas Torloting, Carine Chaiban, and Elie Touma to the position of partners. This strategic move was unveiled during the ongoing Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the company’s commitment to growth.
The trio, who joined Front Row in early 2019 under the leadership of Gianluca Chakra, played pivotal roles in the company’s initial overhaul. Torloting, a former Disney executive in the region, currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Front Row. Chaiban, recognized for her expertise in acquisitions and distribution, oversees post-theatrical sales, while Touma is responsible for acquisitions and theatrical distribution.
Front Row recently achieved substantial success at the Saudi box office with the release of the wrestling comedy “Sattar,” distributed by Front Row Arabia through its collaboration with Muvi Cinemas, a prominent local exhibitor.
In the swiftly evolving landscape of film distribution in the region, Front Row has solidified its position as a key player since its establishment by Chakra in 2003. The company’s distribution arm manages the release of over 200 independent films annually, a significant portion of which undergo theatrical release through Front Row’s expansive distribution network. This network includes partnerships with Muvi Cinemas in Saudi Arabia and the Kuwait National Cinema Company (Cinescape).
Based in Dubai, Chakra’s company has been a pioneer in distributing independent cinema in MENA, initially focusing on VOD and SVOD through innovative solutions and collaborations with global streaming giants such as iTunes, Google Play, and Netflix. Notably, Front Row took daring steps during the pandemic, being the first to premiere films day-and-date in the territory. Additionally, the company curated collections on Netflix and other platforms, promoting and championing Arabic cinema. Front Row also boasts a longstanding multi-year output deal with beIN Media Group, a Doha-based pay TV/SVOD powerhouse.
Simultaneously, Front Row has ventured into the development and production of Arabic films and TV series. Their inaugural production, the Arabic adaptation of the Italian hit “Perfect Strangers,” premiered on Netflix in 2022, marking Netflix’s first Arabic original. The film achieved regional chart-topping success and reached the global No. 3 spot. Subsequently, Front Row inked a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix, presently engaged in developing an extensive slate of features and TV series. Currently in post-production is the atmospheric thriller “Sand Castle,” directed by Matty Brown and starring Nadine Labaki, a film exploring a family of four stranded on an idyllic island concealing a shocking reality. This project reunites Labaki with Zain Al Rafeea, the Syrian refugee from “Capernaum.”
Chakra expressed his delight, stating, “It’s been and is an absolute joy to work with the guys who fully understand and support the Front Row vision and have been vital to the company’s expansion in both the distribution and production arena.”
