SPI International/FilmBox Expands Footprint in the Middle East

SPI International/FilmBox has secured a deal to launch six channels from its portfolio on the IPTV platform E-vision in the UAE.

Among the channels coming to E-vision, which is operated by Etisalat, are the movie channel FilmBox and two sports channels, FightBox HD and Fast&FunBox HD. There is also the classic/independent movie channel FilmBox Art House, the documentary channel DocuBox, and FunBox UHD, which presents lifestyle, adventure, travel and performing arts programming in Ultra HD.

Humaid Sahoo, the CEO of E-Vision, commented, “Today’s strategic announcement with SPI International is in line with our long-term strategy to partner with global players bringing the best in content to UAE. Etisalat eLife TV subscribers will be able to access world-class entertainment and content bringing the best quality to customers. E-vision’s partnership with SPI reiterates our commitment to deliver comprehensive content to our client as a pioneer and trusted content aggregator in the region.”

Murat Muratoglu, SPI’s head of distribution for MENA, Turkey, APAC, Russia and CIS, Baltics, Bulgaria and Ex-Yugo, said, “We are excited to bring our channels to E-Vision’s viewers in the Middle East. SPI channels offer top-quality programming spanning from live MMA events, Formula One, amazing wildlife documentaries to award-winning cinema masterpieces and blockbusters. We are glad to strengthen SPI’s collaboration with Etisalat in order to grow our TV brand and develop our business in the Middle East.”