CINEMA fans are in for a treat this Eid, with the number of new films released to coincide with the occasion reaching double figures.

The end of Ramadan is traditionally accompanied by a rush of movies hitting the big screen.

Bahrain Cinema Company (Cineco) said it would be showing 11 new films this year, in addition to blockbusters that came out during the holy month.

They include Race 3, which stars former Bahrain resident, Sacred Heart School pupil and Bahrain TV presenter Jacqueline Fernandez.

Vindictive

The film, also starring Salman Khan and Anil Kapoor, is an international saga of a ruthless and vindictive family that deals in borderline crime.

Cineco general supervisor Mahmood Jagbeer said it was one of the most anticipated new releases.

“You can never say for sure which movies will be most popular, but from previous years’ experience and early bookings we know that usually the Salman Khan movie Race 3 will be the first destination for most Arabs and Indians,” he said.

“These movies are often big draws and is the first thing many people want to see.”

However, he said there was also interest in some other new movies – and said the spate of releases witnessed during Ramadan was unusual.

“This year Ramadan was a bit a different from previous years,” he said.

“The distributors have launched a few blockbusters at this time (Ramadan) like Jurassic World, Solo and Deadpool 2, even though usually there are fewer people going to the cinema in Ramadan.

“We have a really significant release this week, which celebrates 40 years since the movie The Message – one of the oldest movies about Prophet Mohammed and the early days of Islam.

“In my personal opinion, it is one of the best. It will be released in both Arabic and English at the same time.

“The Incredibles 2 is also coming out 14 years after the first movie.

“It is quite a long time for a second part to come out, but we do expect a large amount of people to come because of the huge success of the first movie and it’s suitable for all ages – so people who watched the first movie and maybe have children now can come with their children.”

Another draw for horror fans is Hereditary staring Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne and Alex Wolff.

The star studded action-thriller Hotel Artemis starring Jodie Foster as The Nurse, who runs a secret, members-only hospital for criminals, is expected to be a big hit among action movie fans.

Other movies being shown include romantic drama Adrift, animated movie Maya the Bee: The Honey Games, The Little Witch, the Urdu movie Saat Din Mohabbat In and the Arabic movies Lielet Hana Wa Srour and Abla Tamtam.

ghazi@gdn.com.bh