The selection falls in line with Viu’s strategic pillar to offer original content to the wider MENA audience as it increases its support of emerging talent.
Cairo, Egypt, 28 October 2022: Viu, the OTT platform to watch-out-for, is proud to announce its latest production with independent Arab filmmakers selected at the internationally acclaimed Cairo Film Festival. Titled, ‘Mama’, the short film acts as critical moment for the region as Viu embodies the first VOD platform to ever support emerging talent in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The sponsorship falls in line with Viu’s long-term ambitions to empower Arab cinema with worldwide exposure.
Viu’s support in the region is longstanding, boasting a total of four sponsorships targeted towards short-film productions. Launched in early 2020, Viu’s call for applications attracted more than 50 submissions, out of which 4 were selected to be fully produced by Viu. “Mama” is the third to be completed, and the first independent VOD production to be shortlisted at an international film festival in the MENA region.
Commenting on the partnership Fathi Azouz, Head of Production at Viu said: “Viu’s dedication towards Arab content will benefit from an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals. We expect emerging stories to quickly find their way into mainstream cinema as they address and empower individuals and the industry alike. The shortlisting of ‘Mama’ in a select competition at the Cairo International Film festival is a positive step towards making that happen.”
The streaming service is also actively investing in future MENA talents and industry with not-for-profit initiatives that provide a launchpad for creators to produce original content that would otherwise never come to fruition.
Naji Ismail, Director of Mama Film, added: “Short movies offer an arthouse like feature film, not governed by commercial implications and therefore carry an immense creative scope for innovation. We truly appreciate Viu’s commitment towards providing a credible platform for innovative films to shine bright under unique cinematic narratives.”
Viu is the leading premium video-on-demand (VOD) actor in MENA and the only provider offering original Arabic content catered to a wide array of user preferences.
About Viu: Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service, is available in 17 markets across Asia, the Middle East and South Africa with 58.6 million monthly active users (MAU) as of December 2021.
The Viu service is available to consumers through a dual model with an ad-supported free tier and a premium subscription tier (consisting of different subscription options). Viu offers fresh premium TV series, movies and lifestyle programs in local and regional languages and subtitles in different genres from top content providers, as well as premium original productions under the brand “Viu Original”.
Viu also offers users streaming and download features, and
localized user interfaces across a myriad
of connected devices. Viu can provide the best viewing experience regardless of
device or network
conditions. The Viu app is available On Apple Store, Google Play and
Huawei App Gallery
on connected devices, e.g. smartphones and tablets, select smart TVs, as well
as on the web by logging into www.viu.com.
In addition, Viu International Limited, through its subsidiary Moov (Hong Kong) Limited, also operates MOOV, a popular digital music streaming and live music concerts service in Hong Kong.
About PCCW Limited
PCCW Limited (SEHK: 0008) is a global company headquartered in Hong Kong which holds interests in telecommunications, media, IT solutions, property development and investment, and other businesses.
The Company holds a majority stake in the HKT Trust and HKT Limited, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider and leading operator of fixed-line, broadband, mobile communication and media entertainment services. HKT delivers end-to-end integrated solutions employing emerging technologies to assist enterprises in transforming their businesses. HKT has also built a digital ecosystem integrating its loyalty program, e-Commerce, travel, insurance, Big Data Analytics, FinTech and HealthTech services to deepen its relationship with customers.
PCCW owns a fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong engaged in the provision of over-the-top (“OTT”) video service locally and in other places in the region.
Through HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, PCCW also operates a domestic free TV service in Hong Kong.
Also wholly owned by the Group, PCCW Solutions is a leading IT and business process outsourcing provider in Hong Kong, mainland China and Southeast Asia.
In addition, PCCW holds a stake in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited and other overseas investments.
To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com