As audiences are increasingly opting for Premium large-format experiences when they head to the movies, many view IMAX as the exhibitor best positioned to thrive in the emerging theatrical landscape. Collider interviewed IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond and Chief Sales Officer Giovanni Dolce at the Cannes Film Festival, where FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA premiered just before its worldwide release on IMAX screens.
Gelfond and Dolce outlined bold plans to expand the company’s business, both with IMAX-owned theatres as well as through installing IMAX equipment at other exhibitor locations to meet growing demand.
Regarding its exhibition network, Gelfond sees an opportunity to double IMAX’s theatrical footprint over the next six years. The expansion will occur by adding new locations in existing markets, and opening up new markets that have been underrepresented until now. For example, there are only two IMAX locations in Australia currently, but they see the opportunity for up to 40 locations to meet the demand of passionate Aussie moviegoers.
Gelfond and Dolce also discussed IMAX cameras, which more and more filmmakers are adopting to make high-end, action and special effects-oriented movies. They unveiled a new prototype IMAX camera, following the success of films such as Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE: PART 2 and Christopher Nolan’s OPPENHEIMER.
Because IMAX prioritizes showing films made with their technology, studios, and filmmakers are clamoring to use it to secure a prime spot in the release schedule. The release schedule for 2025 at IMAX locations is already filled out, and starting to take shape for 2026 as well.
