Legendary Entertainment’s Dune Saga Returns Again to Abu Dhabi as Principal Shooting Location

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Aug 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abu Dhabi will again return as a principal shooting location for the next chapter in Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction saga Dune.

Legendary Entertainment confirmed today that production on the highly anticipated third installment will return to Abu Dhabi’s picturesque Liwa desert with its cinematic towering sand dunes and golden expansive horizon to once again capture the essence of the mythical planet of Arrakis.  The film will continue the sweeping saga of Paul Atreides and the complex legacy of this empirical rule.  

Filming in the desert city will begin later this year with Creative Media Authority Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Film Commission providing essential logistical support, and Image Nation serving as production partner. 

The film, a continuation of the Academy Award®-winning franchise from Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, will benefit from the cashback rebate offered by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission.  

Abu Dhabi has served as the backdrop for more than 180 major film and television productions through the introduction of the cashback rebate, including F1® The Movie, Mission: ImpossibleStar WarsFast and FuriousSonic the Hedgehog, and Netflix’s 6 Underground and War Machine — a reflection of the emirate’s diverse locations, talent pool, and filmmaking incentives.

About Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority
The mission of the Creative Media Authority (CMA) is to champion content creation in Abu Dhabi by empowering content creators through strategic guidance, talent development, financial support, and a world-class regulatory environment.

CMA was launched with a mandate to ensure the right ecosystem is in place for content creators to thrive. 

The Authority’s responsibilities include overseeing strategic organisations and initiatives within Abu Dhabi’s creative industries, including Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Film Commission, as well as training and development initiatives such as creative lab and Arab Film Studio.
https://www.cma.gov.ae/

About Abu Dhabi Film Commission
Established in 2009, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) plays a pivotal role in delivering Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a leading global destination for creative and media industries. ADFC supports and accelerates the development of Abu Dhabi’s film and TV industry by promoting the Emirate as a world-class production destination and attracting local, regional, and international productions.

For more information, visit www.film.gov.ae

About Image Nation Abu Dhabi
Image Nation Abu Dhabi is one of the Middle East’s leading film studios with a mission to unlock the potential of the region’s creative talent to bring its vibrant storytelling to the world.

The company has built its reputation on breaking boundaries and unleashing imagination through content ranging from award-winning films and TV programs to documentaries and non-scripted series, produced in partnership with a global network of content creators, distributors, and channels. By catalyzing ideas, talent, and enterprise, the studio fosters dialogue and builds relationships that help bridge cultural gaps. 

Image Nation productions have been screened at film festivals across the globe and received the film and TV industry’s highest honors, including Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Emmys.

In delivering on its mission, Image Nation also plays an important role in realizing Abu Dhabi’s vision to shape a competitive, sustainable, and globally open economy and positioning the emirate as a regional content creation hub.

About Legendary Entertainment 
Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with film (Legendary Pictures), television and digital (Legendary Television and Digital Media) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world’s most popular intellectual property. In aggregate, Legendary Pictures-associated productions have realized grosses of nearly $21 billion worldwide at the box office. To learn more visit: www.legendary.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36b0ee4e-00d4-4c48-8189-ddb615b69797

Contact:
Tryph Greenwood
tryph@thebrillcollective.com 

SOURCE: Creative Media Authority

BUNS, BEATS & BEYOND: HONG KONG SPRINGS TO LIFE WITH FESTIVAL FEVER

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) — The annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic cultural celebrations, is set to return on May 5 to 6, marking the beginning of a packed spring of traditional festivals, arts showcases, and international sporting events across the city.

Held on the island of Cheung Chau, the festival is steeped in history and folklore, honouring Pak Tai, a sea deity believed to have saved the island from a plague in the 18th century.

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board in a statement, since 2011, it has been recognised on China’s national list of intangible cultural heritage.

Among the highlights of this year’s programme are the Climbing Carnival on April 27, featuring games and performances; the vibrant Piu Sik Parade on May 5, where children dressed as deities and public figures appear to float above the crowd; and the adrenaline-pumping Bun-Scrambling Competition, which takes place at midnight on May 5 to 6, where climbers race up a 14-metre tower to collect the most lucky buns.

In conjunction with Labour Day Golden Week (May 1 to 5), the city will also host a 12-minute drone light show set to music along the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade on May 1, offering a dazzling display framed by Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.

The festival forms part of Cultural Beat, a citywide initiative celebrating Hong Kong’s unique cultural heritage. Other major events include the Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Po Lin Monastery (April 29 to May 5), the Tam Kung Festival in Eastern District (April 29 to May 7), and the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (June 7 to 8).

Art and culture enthusiasts can also look forward to the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong (May 22 to 25), the French May Arts Festival (ongoing until July 13), and the Chinese Culture Festival (June to September).

New highlights this year include Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA (from May 21) and the Picasso for Asia—A Conversation exhibition at M+, featuring over 60 works by the legendary artist.

Sports fans will not be left out, with the Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2025 taking place from June 18 to 22, bringing together six top international teams in a high-energy tournament.

With a diverse lineup of celebrations throughout the season, Hong Kong invites residents and visitors alike to experience its rich blend of tradition and modernity.

— BERNAMA

HKTB VIDEO SERIES SHOWCASES HONG KONG’S OUTDOOR WONDERS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) — The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched a new video series, titled “Four Corners of Hong Kong”, featuring four captivating short films that take viewers on a journey to the city’s four corners, namely north, south, east and west, showcasing the city’s breathtaking landscapes and rich ecotourism experiences.

The series also showcases Hong Kong’s diverse scenery that offers an irresistible invitation for visitors to experience the city’s extraordinary natural beauty, with the first full video of the four-part series having been released on the Discover Hong Kong YouTube channel.

The first video takes viewers into the splendour of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark and features awe-inspiring geological wonders such as the rhyolitic hexagonal rock columns, which were crafted over millions of years by nature’s hand.

HKTB in a statement said the remaining three episodes will come one after another throughout the coming fortnight, and the video will also be released on the HKTB’s Xiaohongshu, Douyin and Weibo platforms.

The videos transport viewers on an epic, fun-filled adventure in four spectacular corners of Hong Kong, climbing mountains and diving into the sea, travelling east to Sai Kung, south to Po Toi Island, Stanley, and Ap Lei Chau, west to Lantau Island, and north to Robin’s Nest Country Park.

Each location has its own special charm and offers a distinct outdoor experience, demonstrating the diverse appeal and boundless potential of ecotourism in Hong Kong.

HKTB has also teamed up with celebrities from Thailand and Taiwan who bring a sprinkle of stardust to carry the video campaign to a wider audience. The videos, imbued with the unique charisma of the celebrities, are tailored to captivate worldwide audiences via compelling storytelling and mesmerising landscapes.

In addition, HKTB is also ramping up its efforts to promote outdoor activities and trail-running events to overseas visitors following the runaway success of the TransLantau by UTMB and Hong Kong 100 Ultra Marathon races last year.

Looking ahead, with initiatives targeting key markets, including Mainland China, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, and India, HKTB aims to position Hong Kong as a premier destination for adventure and green tourism.

— BERNAMA