In a significant development, Imax and Wanda Film, China’s largest exhibitor, have recently announced a major expansion of their longstanding strategic partnership in the country. This expansion encompasses a wide range of initiatives including technological advancements and content collaboration. Wanda Film is set to upgrade 61 of its top-performing locations to state-of-the-art Imax with Laser technology, bringing cutting-edge viewing experiences to audiences in key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Additionally, Wanda will renew up to 37 existing Imax locations over the next five years and potentially add up to 25 new Imax locations within the next three years.
Imax with Laser technology represents the pinnacle of Imax’s viewing experience, offering unparalleled image quality and precision audio. This advancement underscores Wanda Film’s commitment to enhancing the moviegoer’s viewing experience by embracing premium projection technology. The collaboration between Imax and Wanda Pictures, Wanda Film’s production and distribution arm, will explore a diverse range of content and experiences spanning documentaries, music, gaming, and sports. Notably, the partnership has already yielded successful collaborations on films such as the hit Detective Chinatown 3 (2021).
The strategic alliance between Imax and Wanda Film extends beyond technological upgrades to encompass content partnerships that aim to deliver compelling and immersive cinematic experiences to audiences in China. With a robust slate of Chinese and Hollywood blockbusters planned for the coming years, this landmark agreement solidifies Imax’s position as the dominant platform for cinematic entertainment in China. The partnership between Wanda Film and Imax is poised to drive innovation and creativity in the realm of blockbuster films, documentaries, and entertainment events.
Looking ahead, the partnership between Imax and Wanda Film holds immense potential for collaboration and growth in the Chinese film industry. By leveraging the leadership and vision of key figures such as Wanda Film chair Chen Zhixi and Imax CEO Rich Gelfond, the two companies are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and deliver exceptional cinematic experiences to audiences across China. The anticipated content pipeline for 2025 and 2026 promises an exciting array of films, including Chinese tentpoles and global releases optimized for Imax viewing.
As Imax prepares to unveil a strong summer slate of Chinese and Hollywood films in China, the partnership with Wanda Film underscores the global reach and influence of both companies in the exhibition industry. With 381 Imax locations currently in operation and plans for additional expansions, Wanda Film emerges as Imax’s biggest exhibition partner worldwide. The longstanding collaboration between Imax and Wanda Film, dating back to 2007, has paved the way for innovation and growth in the realm of cinematic entertainment.
The evolving partnership between Imax and Wanda Film in China represents a significant milestone in the exhibition industry, fueling innovation, technological advancements, and exciting content collaborations. As both companies continue to push the boundaries of cinematic experiences and engage audiences with immersive storytelling, the future holds immense promise for captivating and transformative movie experiences in theaters across China.
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