Abu Dhabi Welcomes F1® The Movie For Regional Premiere Starring Brad Pitt

The film "F1® The Movie," featuring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, is set to premiere in Abu Dhabi on 25 June 2025. This event aligns with the film's Middle East release on 26 June. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and distributed globally by Warner Bros. Pictures, the movie will be shown in theatres and IMAX. The cast and crew will return to Abu Dhabi for this regional premiere.

The movie wrapped up filming at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December. It was made possible through partnerships with Creative Media Authority, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and Epic Films. The production involved 284 local crew members from Abu Dhabi, led by Epic Films, over three separate shoots spanning 29 days. Locations included Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios.

The storyline follows Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, a former racing driver once hailed as "the greatest that never was." After a career-threatening accident in the 1990s, he becomes a freelance racer. His former teammate Ruben Cervantes, portrayed by Javier Bardem, persuades him to return to FORMULA 1® to save Ruben's struggling team.

Collaborations and Contributions

Kosinski directs under his Monolith Pictures banner alongside Jerry Bruckheimer Films' Chad Oman and Jerry Bruckheimer. Sir Lewis Hamilton contributes through Dawn Apollo Films, while Plan B Entertainment involves Pitt, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner. Ehren Kruger wrote the screenplay based on a story by Kosinski & Kruger.

Sonny teams up with rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), who is eager to make his mark in racing. As they compete together, Sonny realises that teammates can also be fierce rivals. The journey highlights that redemption in FORMULA 1® requires more than individual effort.

Impact on Abu Dhabi's Creative Scene

Mohamed Dobay of Creative Media Authority expressed excitement about welcoming back the cast for their fourth F1-related visit. He noted the significant economic impact of the production on Abu Dhabi's creative ecosystem. Hosting the premiere marks a fitting conclusion to this collaboration with Apple Original Films.

Sameer Al Jaberi from Abu Dhabi Film Commission shared pride in hosting the premiere after completing extensive production work at Yas Marina Circuit. Such events highlight Abu Dhabi's commitment to supporting global filmmakers from Arabic, Bollywood, and Hollywood industries within a nurturing environment.

Since introducing its rebate scheme in 2013, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission has supported 180 major productions like "F1® The Movie." This initiative is part of efforts to bolster the region's film industry under the Creative Media Authority's guidance.

With inputs from WAM