ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, August 2024 – Bob Smerling, President of the U.S. Cinema Group of Reading International, Inc., will be honored with this year’s “Bingham Ray Independent Spirit Award” as part of the ShowEast Final Night Awards Ceremony, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company, on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

The Bingham Ray IndependentSpirit Award was established in 2012 in honor of one of the most beloved people in the independent film world. Each year, the award is bestowed upon an individual who has shown exemplary foresight and creativity in the world of independent film. Past recipients include Tom Prassis, Lisa Bunnell and Frank Rodriguez.

“It is with great pleasure that ShowEast honors Bob with the Bingham Ray IndependentSpirit Award,” stated Andrew Sunshine, President of The Film Expo Group. “His leadership and vision in the cinema industry is unparalleled and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”

Mr. Robert Smerling is the President of the U.S. Cinema Group of Reading International, Inc., which, through its various subsidiaries, has movie theater and real estate portfolios in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.  With 60 movie theaters worldwide, Reading operates three cinema brands: Angelika Film Center, Reading Cinemas and Consolidated Theatres (Hawaii). Mr.  Smerling currently oversees Reading’s  U.S. theaters, which include the Angelika Film Center, Village East Cinema and Cinemas 123 in New York City. One of Mr. Smerling’s special focuses has been the programming of the Angelika Film Center.  For decades, he has ensured that downtown New York City audiences are offered the best in independent, foreign and specialty film.   He has worked alongside many of the most iconic independent film executives in the business, including Bingham Ray himself. 

Mr. Smerling began his career in exhibition at the age of 13, popping popcorn in a New Jersey concession warehouse. By the time, he was 25, he was operating drive-in theaters in New Jersey on his way to becoming President of Eastern Drive-in Theaters. From 1960 to 1965, he held the position of Eastern Division Manager for General Cinema Corporation and followed this by operating his own East Coast theatre circuit, Cinema National Theaters. He also ran American Theater Management Booking serving over 300 booking clients with his partner at the time, Dan Fellman.

In 1990, Mr. Smerling joined Loews Theaters as President.  While at Loews, he oversaw operations at about 600 cinemas employing about 6,000 people and the development of more than 25 new multiplex cinemas.  Among Mr. Smerling’s accomplishments at Loews was the development of the Lincoln Square cinema with IMAX in New York City, which continues today to be one of the top grossing cinemas in the U.S.  In 1994, he joined James J. Cotter and became the President of City Cinemas. At the time, City Cinemas owned only eight theaters in New York City. Since then, Bob has been instrumental in helping Reading International, Inc. grow its global circuit and most recently shepherding the circuit through the devastating impacts of both the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood strikes.

Booking film since 1960, both for his own circuits and for a variety of other exhibitors through his booking service, Mr. Smerling continues his long and impressive career in film buying at Reading.   For decades, he has been one of the savviest film buyers in the U.S., with a particularly deep understanding of New York City exhibition.   His long-standing relationships and experience with major movie studios and distributors have been an asset for Reading.

Mr. Smerling is a member of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, served as a director of the National Association of Theater Owners and has supported many industry charities during his career.

Robert is married to Dr. Kathryn Smerling, a prominent New York psychologist, and has three children – Marc, an award-winning director, writer and producer (The Jinx, Capturing the Friedmans, All Good Things, Catfish), Robyn, an attorney and former Executive Director of the Aspen Film Festival, and Matthew, currently finishing graduate school at the Bank Street School at Columbia University.  

One of the independent film industry’s most ardent supporters, Mr. Smerling is honored to be this year’s recipient of the Bingham Ray Spirit Award.

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About ShowEast

ShowEast will take place from October 21-24, 2024 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida. After 35+ years, ShowEast is the longest-running and most successful film convention for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. The show will attract an estimated 2,000 domestic and Latin American motion picture industry professionals and will feature product presentations and screenings of major upcoming films, exclusive sponsored events, plus exciting and informative seminars.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of networking events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces ShowEast, held in Miami; CineEurope, held in Barcelona; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.

Additional information on ShowEast can be found at www.showeast.com.

# # #Media Contact: dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NEW JERSEY, SEPTEMBER 2024 – ShowEast is proud to announce that global box office data leader, Comscore, will present the 2024 Domestic and LATAM Box Office Achievement Awards to The Walt Disney Studios at this year’s convention to be held from October 21-24 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

The Domestic Award is given to the movie that opened in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico from May 1^st through Labor Day and earned the most box office of any movie during that period in those territories. Similarly, the International Award is recognized for the movie that opened in Latin America from May 1^st through Labor Day and earned the most box office of any movie during that period in the LATAM region.  

This year, both Comscore 2024 Box Office Achievement Awards will be bestowed upon The Walt Disney Studios for Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2. The Awards will be presented during this year’s Opening Day Luncheon on Monday, October 21.

“We are very excited to be honoring The Walt Disney Studios at ShowEast for Inside Out 2 both domestically and for the LATAM region. This is only the second time one film has received both awards,” stated Andrew Sunshine, Managing Director of ShowEast. “Being able to once again work with our partners at Comscore to present the Box Office Achievement Awards continues to be very rewarding.”

“Comscore is thrilled to present the 2024 Latin American Box Office Achievement Award and the Domestic Box Office Achievement Award to The Walt Disney Studios for their outstanding film, Inside Out 2. This remarkable film has not only captivated audiences in Latin America and the Domestic market but has also achieved global success in 2024,” said David Sobottka, Senior Vice President of Client Insights at Comscore. “With an impressive $650.8 million domestically and $303.5 million in Latin America within the award period of May 1, 2024, through Labor Day weekend, Inside Out 2 now ranks as the #11 film of all time domestically and holds the record as the biggest film ever in Latin America.  Comscore applauds Disney’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional family entertainment across the globe.”

About Comscore

Comscore is a global, trusted partner for planning, transacting and evaluating media across platforms. Comscore Movies division is the recognized global market leader in box office measurement, providing crucial information to every major exhibitor, major studio, mini-major studio, and prominent independent distributor and exhibitor in the worldwide theatrical industry. The Movies platform provides access to worldwide film performance data with a virtual, all-inclusive view of the global box office.     

About ShowEast

ShowEast will take place from October 23-26, 2023 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida. For more than 35 years, ShowEast is the longest-running and most successful film convention for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. The show will attract an estimated 2,000 domestic and Latin American motion picture industry professionals and will feature product presentations and screenings of major upcoming films, exclusive sponsored events, plus exciting and informative seminars.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of networking events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces ShowEast, held in Miami; CineEurope, held in Barcelona; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok

Additional information on ShowEast can be found at www.showeast.com.

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Media Contact: dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.coms

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, September 2024 – Christina Blumer, Executive Director of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, will receive the “ShowEast Coca-Cola Empowerment” Award on Wednesday, October 23 as part of the ShowEast Breakfast Program at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Past recipients of this award include Elizabeth Frank, Joe Masher and Rebecca Stein. 

“The motion picture community thrives thanks to the advocacy and visionary leadership of people like Christina, who have made a profound impact on so many lives,” said Andrew Sunshine, President of the Film Expo Group. “In partnership with Coca-Cola, ShowEast is truly excited to present this award to someone so deserving and whose dedication and influence continue to drive positive change. Christina represents the past, the present and the future as the Executive Director of the Motion Picture Industry’s largest philanthropic organization,” Sunshine continued.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Christina for this year’s Coca-Cola Empowerment Award.” adds Josh Nations, Global VP of Strategic Partnerships at Coca-Cola. “This recognition is a testament to Christina’s commitment and passion supporting theatrical exhibition and we are grateful for the profound impact she makes on the industry through the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.”

Christina Blumer is the Executive Director of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, a position she has held since June of 2022. She is the first woman appointed to the executive director position since 1975 when Lois Lewis ran the motion picture industry charity which was created in 1936.

Named after one of the greatest humanitarians, philanthropists and entertainers of all time – Will Rogers – the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation perpetuates his legacy through the works of three programs, Brave Beginnings, the Will Rogers Institute and the Pioneers Assistance Fund. The foundation is committed to providing financial assistance, resources and an array of social services to working and retired members of the motion picture community in times of need.

Blumer oversees the organization’s day-to-day activities, provides leadership to staff, advises the Board of Directors, and maintains relationships with the motion picture industry at large.  She previously worked as the foundation’s Director of Development, overseeing fundraising and donor relations, and as Director of Operations where she expanded industry relations and supervised programs and services. She was instrumental in the development of the Film Row program, which provides leadership development opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders.

Blumer serves on the Board of Directors of the Motion Picture Club, an organization based in New York City that fosters camaraderie among members of the film community while raising funds for industry-related charities.

About ShowEast

ShowEast will take place from October 21-24, 2024 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida. After 35+ years, ShowEast is the longest-running and most successful film convention for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. The show will attract an estimated 2,000 domestic and Latin American motion picture industry professionals and will feature product presentations and screenings of major upcoming films, exclusive sponsored events, plus exciting and informative seminars.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of networking events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces ShowEast, held in Miami; CineEurope, held in Barcelona; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok

Additional information on ShowEast can be found at www.showeast.com.

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Media Contact: dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, September 2024 – Larry Etter, Senior Vice President

Malco Theatres, Inc., will receive this year’s NAC ICON Award at ShowEast. He will be presented with this special honor as part of the Final Night Awards Ceremony sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company on Thursday, October 24 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

“We are very excited to be able to honor Larry for his outstanding contributions to the concession and cinema industries,” stated Andrew Sunshine, President, Film Expo Group.  “His dedication and hard work have made him a true icon to be commended and celebrated.”

“Larry Etter’s commitment for over 16 years as the Director of Education for the NAC along with his 30 years of involvement in leadership roles within NAC has set Larry apart in our industry.,” according to Rob Novak, President of NAC. “The executive board of the NAC is so proud to acknowledge all that Larry has done for our industry and bestow open him the 2024 NAC ICON Award.”

Larry Etter has been instrumental in the theater industry since 1997 when he was employed by Malco Theatres, Inc. in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to his responsibilities as Senior Vice President at Malco, Larry has served as Chairman of the Board for the National Association of Concessionaires; he has served on its Board of Directors since 1993. In 2008 was appointed Director of Education for NAC. He has presented certification classes and seminars in 14 different countries and over 50 cities. He currently teaches a 1-day accreditation class for the recreational food service managers to those in the concession field as well a 3-day Concession Managers Certification class for NAC and the ACS certification for suppliers and sales professionals.

Larry Etter has engaged in the development of concessions curriculum for universities and online. He worked with Dr. Susan Hubbard at Auburn to create a 3hr accredited recreational foodservice management class supporting a Human Sciences degree. He assisted in building online programs for Food Safety, Alcohol Awareness and Sexual Harassment Certification within the NAC portfolio. In addition, Larry worked with Experia and NSF in developing the recreational foodservice food safety exam specifically for concessionaires and contributed to writing the nationally certified food safety manual by NSF. Larry has performed a considerable amount of research on the theatre industry through his association with The Kemmons Wilson School of Hotel and Resort Management at the University of Memphis as an adjunct professor.

About ShowEast

ShowEast will take place from October 21-24, 2024 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida. After 35+ years, ShowEast is the longest-running and most successful film convention for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. The show will attract an estimated 2,000 domestic and Latin American motion picture industry professionals and will feature product presentations and screenings of major upcoming films, exclusive sponsored events, plus exciting and informative seminars.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of networking events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces ShowEast, held in Miami; CineEurope, held in Barcelona; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok

Additional information on ShowEast can be found at www.showeast.com.

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Media Contact: dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, August 2024 – Mark Gramz, President of Marcus Theatres, will receive this year’s Salah M. Hassanein Humanitarian Award at ShowEast 2024. He will be presented with this special honor as part of the Final Night Awards Ceremony, hosted by The Coca-Cola Company on Thursday, October 24 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Established in 1987, the Salah M. Hassanein Humanitarian Award is presented each year to a company or individual in the industry that has made an impact in the philanthropic community. Past recipients include Todd Vradenburg, Richie Fay, Kyle Davies, Mark Christiansen, Scott Forman, Chris Aronson, and most recently Ron Krueger II.

 “We are extremely honored to present Mark with this very special award at ShowEast. His passion and dedication to philanthropy for the theatrical community as well as his local community is to be applauded,” stated Andrew Sunshine, President of the Film Expo Group.

In a 50-plus year career in the movie theatre business, Mark A. Gramz has seen it all – going from the drive-in booth to the president’s chair. After starting with Marcus Theatres in 1971 as a part-time associate (while still in high school) at the former Hwy 24 Outdoor Theatre in New Berlin, Wisconsin, Mark diligently and joyously worked his way through the ranks as he ushered the company through decades of change and growth, eventually being named President of Marcus Theatres in 2022.

Mark earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and business – finance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and gives back to our industry in countless ways. Mark currently serves on various trade association boards, including NATO’s government relations committee, strategic planning committee and advisory board. He serves as the President of NATO of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan and has served on various other regional NATO boards as President of NATO of Ohio and Treasurer of NATO of Illinois. Through these positions, he has played a key role in raising funds for Variety – the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin.

About ShowEast

ShowEast will take place from October 21-24, 2024 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida. After 35+ years, ShowEast is the longest-running and most successful film convention for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. The show will attract an estimated 2,000 domestic and Latin American motion picture industry professionals and will feature product presentations and screenings of major upcoming films, exclusive sponsored events, plus exciting and informative seminars.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of networking events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces ShowEast, held in Miami; CineEurope, held in Barcelona; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok

Additional information on ShowEast can be found at www.showeast.com.

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Media Contact: dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, SEPTEMBER 2024 – Melanie Valera, Senior Vice President, General Sales Manager at Paramount Pictures, will receive this year’s Al Shapiro Distinguished Service Award at ShowEast. She will be presented with this special honor as part of the Final Night Awards Ceremony hosted by The Coca-Cola Company on Thursday, October 24 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Each year, the Al Shapiro Distinguished Service Award honors a person who represents the ideals and standards that the late Al Shapiro set during his unparalleled career. The award epitomizes their dedication, care and concern for the betterment of people within the motion picture industry.

“We are thrilled to honor Melanie with this award at ShowEast this year. There is no better example in our industry that truly represents what the Al Shapiro award is all about,” stated Andrew Sunshine, President of the Film Expo Group. “Her dedication, service and commitment to our community is second to none.”

A 30-year veteran, Melanie Valera is Senior Vice President, General Sales Manager at Paramount Pictures.  In her role, she oversees Domestic Theatrical Distribution and leads a dynamic team across the U.S. and Canada. Melanie’s extensive career includes valuable experience at DreamWorks, Miramax, and Paramount, where she honed her expertise and deep understanding of the industry. Beyond her professional achievements, Melanie is deeply involved in the film community. She serves as the Executive Vice President on the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation board, demonstrating her commitment to supporting industry professionals. Additionally, she is a board member of the Motion Picture Club and has previously held the position of President of Film Row.

About ShowEast

ShowEast will take place from October 21-24, 2024 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida. After 35+ years, ShowEast is the longest-running and most successful film convention for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. The show will attract an estimated 2,000 domestic and Latin American motion picture industry professionals and will feature product presentations and screenings of major upcoming films, exclusive sponsored events, plus exciting and informative seminars.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of networking events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces ShowEast, held in Miami; CineEurope, held in Barcelona; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok

Additional information on ShowEast can be found at www.showeast.com.

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Media Contact: dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, AUGUST 2024 – Cinesystem Cinemas will receive the ShowEast 2024 “Enrique Ramirez” LATAM Exhibitor of the Year Award as part of the International Awards Luncheon on Monday, October 21 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Marcos Barros, Founder and Chairman will accept the award.

“ShowEast is thrilled to honor Cinesystem Cinemas with this year’s LATAM Exhibitor of the Year award,” said Andrew Sunshine, President of the Film Expo Group. “We commend them for their successes in the LATAM region and congratulate them on this richly deserved honor.”

Cinesystem Cinemas is a significant Brazilian cinema chain, operating 27 multiplexes with 182 screens across 18 cities. Known for its strategic innovations, Cinesystem introduced Brazil’s first 100% digital cinema and Latin America’s first cinema with laser projection.

Cinesystem was also a pioneer in Brazil with its self-service concept and features the Cinepic auditorium with a Dolby Atmos sound system, which has been awarded numerous times for its sound quality and comfort. Signature projects like ‘Cine Atelier,’ ‘CinePets,’ ‘Cine Azul,’ and the ‘Clube da Pipoca’ loyalty program offer unique experiences beyond just watching movies.

In 2024, Cinesystem expanded to Distrito Federal and Porto Alegre, and increased its presence in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro by acquiring five new multiplexes with over 40 screens. This expansion reflects Cinesystem’s ongoing commitment to Brazilian culture.

Marcos Barros started his career in Maringá (Paraná State, Brazil), where he is still a partner in one of the biggest media groups in the state. Barros entered the movie exhibition market in 1999, when he acquired his first two movie theaters, also in the same city in Paraná. In 2003, he founded the Cinesystem brand, expanding the business to other Brazilian states and cities. He is now the CEO and Chairman of the Company’s Board. Additionally, Barros is the president of ABRAPLEX – the Brazilian Association of Cinema Exhibition Companies Operators of Multiplexes – and a member of the Superior Cinema Council (CSC), a collegiate body belonging to the Ministry of Tourism.

ABOUT SHOWEAST

ShowEast will take place from October 21-24, 2024 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida. After 35+ years, ShowEast is the longest-running and most successful film convention for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. The show will attract an estimated 2,000 domestic and Latin American motion picture industry professionals and will feature product presentations and screenings of major upcoming films, exclusive sponsored events, and exciting and informative seminars.

ABOUT FILM EXPO GROUP

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of networking events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces ShowEast, held in Miami; CineEurope, held in Barcelona; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok

Additional information on ShowEast can be found at www.showeast.com.

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Media Contact: dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, August 2024 – B&B Theatres is set to be honored with this year’s Dan Fellman Show “E” Award at ShowEast. They will be presented with this prestigious award on Thursday, October 24, during the Final Night Awards Ceremony, hosted by The Coca-Cola Company, at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

The Dan Fellman Show “E” award was renamed in 2015 to honor long-time Warner Bros. Distribution Chief Dan Fellman and to celebrate his impressive 38-year career. Each year the award is presented to an industry member or company in honor of their achievements, accomplishments, dedication, and longevity in the industry.

“We are extremely honored to present our friends at B&B Theatres with this very special award at ShowEast. This legacy family, now led by co-presidents, Brittanie, Bobbie and Brock, continue to lead the way to the companies dedication to the theatrical experience and is to be applauded as they celebrate the milestone of “100 Years of Movie-Going Magic” across the U.S.”, stated Andrew Sunshine, President of the Film Expo Group. “Their outstanding leadership in the industry has resonated with movie-goers looking for that truly unique cinematic experience.” he continued.

About B&B Theatres

B&B Theatres stands for Bills and Bagby, two families that both launched movie theatres and joined forces-for business and love-in 1980. The history of B&B stretches back to 1924 when Elmer Bills, Sr., bought the Lyric Theatre in Salisbury, MO, and founded Bills Theatres. It was there that he met his future wife, Johnnie, while she played the piano along with the silent movies. Years later, their son Elmer Bills, Jr., was born into the business.

In 1936, the elder Elmer hired 10-year-old Sterling Bagby as a concession clerk. Sterling grew up, fought in World War II and came home to marry his Higbee, MO ticket seller, Pauline. Together, they started the Bagby Traveling Picture Show and roamed rural Missouri with their films, projection equipment, seats and snack bar. The Bagby Traveling Picture Show screened movies in barns, schools and parks. Eventually, Sterling and Pauline’s company evolved into a Kansas circuit of drive-in theatres and “hardtops” (their nickname for indoor theatres).

Meanwhile, young Elmer Bills, Jr. had met his wife-to-be, Amy, when both were 13 (he lovingly refers to her as “the best popcorn girl I ever hired”) and gone on to graduate from the University of Missouri in 1959. Elmer and Amy joined his parents Elmer Sr. and Johnnie and continued the expansion of Bills Theatres, Inc.

On January 1, 1980, the Bills and Bagby families cemented decades of friendship by formally joining their two theatre companies into B&B Theatres. At the same time, Sterling and Pauline’s son Bob married Elmer and Amy’s daughter Bridget truly wedding the families together. After taking B&B into the 21st century, Sterling Bagby passed away in October of 2000. From 2000 to 2014, B&B replaced several of their existing locations with new state-of-the-art facilities as well as acquired, remodeled and built several new locations. In 2010 B&B premiered their first PLF (premium large format) Grand Screen® and their first dine-in Marquee Suites® concept.

On October 3, 2014, B&B Theatres purchased Dickinson Theatres, a local Kansas City theatre circuit dating back to 1920. With the acquisition of Dickinson, an additional fifteen locations and 169 screens were added to B&B’s continually growing circuit of theatres. Despite the exciting and explosive growth of the company, 2018 was a difficult year for B&B Theatres, as organization founders Pauline Bagby and Elmer and Amy Bills passed away, each having offered a lifetime of service, enthusiasm, and passion to their families, communities, and industry. Inspired by and in honor of their legacy, Bob and Bridget Bagby lead into the future and now stand at the helm of the 5th largest theatre circuit in America. And Bob and Bridget’s children, Bobbie (President and Chief Creative Officer), Brittanie (President and Chief Operating Officer) and Brock (President and Chief Content and Development Officer) (yes, they are all Bs-what else could they be named?) are the fourth generation to work for their family’s chain.

Through the years, B&B has seen the coming of sound, color, widescreen, digital, 3D and countless other advances in stereo sound and projection. Our newest complexes offer the latest in sound and comfort, including DOLBY 7.1 Surround Sound and digital sound in all auditoriums, stadium seating, wide screens, high-back rocker chairs with cup holders, luxury electric recliner seating, Grand Screens® Marquee Suites® and digital projectors with 3D capabilities. Our extended family now consists of over 1,400 employees. Today, B&B operates theaters in towns of all sizes, and we’ve even opened multiplex theaters in many of the same places that once were home to our old-time single-screen and twin theaters. 

About ShowEast

ShowEast will take place from October 21-24, 2024, at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida. After 35+ years, ShowEast is the longest-running and most successful film convention for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. The show will attract an estimated 2,000 Domestic and Latin American motion picture industry professionals and will feature product presentations and screenings of major upcoming films, exclusive sponsored events, plus exciting and informative seminars.

About Film Expo Group

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of networking events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces ShowEast, held in Miami; CineEurope, held in Barcelona; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok

Additional information on ShowEast can be found at www.showeast.com.

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Media Contact: dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, JULY 2024 – Luis Carcheri, Propietario, Distribuidora Romaly, S.A., will receive this year’s LATAM Distributor of the Year Award at ShowEast as part of the International Awards Luncheon on Monday, October 21, 2024 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

“ShowEast is thrilled to honor Mr. Carcheri with this year’s LATAM Distributor of the Year award,” said Andrew Sunshine, President of the Film Expo Group. “He has valiantly promoted distribution in Costa Rica and the LATAM region. We congratulate him on this richly deserved honor.”

Past recipients of this prestigious award include Diamond Films; Marcio Fraccaroli of Paris Filmes; Pedro Rodriguez of IDC; Martin Iraola of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; and Monique Esclavissat of Warner Bros. Pictures International.

Luis Federico Carcheri Schwartz was born in Panama and holds a Degree in Economics from the University of Panama.

While studying Economic Sciences, he began his career in 1975 where he entered into a small family business with two very successful movie theaters, led by Viola Schwartz (Cinema Capitolio and Cinema Central). This set off the foundation of a small film distribution company called Latin American Film Investment.  

In 1980, Mr. Carcheri moved to Costa Rica to join Antonio Hassan, and his company Romaly, S.A.. There, he embarked on a most-challenging project—to promote cinematic exhibition in Costa Rica. This proved to be a fantastic adventure but was fraught with challenges.

While in Costa Rica, Romaly, S.A. developed five new complexes—bringing new life to the movie business in this tiny country. Little by little, Costa Rican cinema was growing and by the turn of the century, it became the Central America country with the highest box-office results.

In 1990, Mr. Carcheri successfully advocated a major change in the rating system law before the Supreme Court of Costa Rica. Upon its succession, the Board of Censors could no longer prohibit a film; they were allowed only to establish restrictions by age. 

In 1995 as Director of Distribuidora Romaly, S.A., he had the honor to be appointed Distributor in Costa Rica of UIP (Paramount and Universal Pictures) and again in 2020 in El Salvador, with the support of his daughter Anabelle.

In 2010, he successfully re-opened the prestigious movie theater, Cine Magaly. Still an icon in Costa Rica: the Cine Magaly is an art movie house with two screens, 569 seats, plus an additional 75-seat screening room named La Salita (The Living Room).  Run by solar panels and equipped with the latest projection system (Laser + 4K), Cine Magaly has created a perfect scenario for the release of upscales films and film festivals. 

For the last 14 years, Mr. Carcheri has served as the President of the Association of Distributors and Exhibitors of Costa Rica.  Currently, he is working on a proposal to the government about modernizing the rating system in the region, specifically Costa Rica and El Salvador.

Luis and his team are looking forward to many more adventures and successes in this region. 

ABOUT SHOWEAST

ShowEast will take place from October 21-24, 2024 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida. After 35+ years, ShowEast is the longest-running and most successful film convention for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. The show will attract an estimated 2,000 domestic and Latin American motion picture industry professionals and will feature product presentations and screenings of major upcoming films, exclusive sponsored events, and exciting and informative seminars.

ABOUT FILM EXPO GROUP

The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of networking events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces ShowEast, held in Miami; CineEurope, held in Barcelona; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok

Additional information on ShowEast can be found at www.showeast.com.

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Media Contact: dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com

Tuesday, October 24 • 4:00pm — Regal Dania Pointe

Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Roald Dahl’s iconic children’s book, “Wonka” tells the story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time. Starring alongside Chalamet are Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, and Jim Carter, with Olivia Colman, and Hugh Grant. The film is directed by Paul King, from a screenplay by Simon Farnaby and King, based on a story by King and characters created by Roald Dahl. It is produced by David Heyman, Alexandra Derbyshire and Luke Kelly.