Abu Dhabi to Host Regional Premiere of Brad Pitt’s F1® Film This June
Anticipated Premiere Details
Abu Dhabi is set to host the much-anticipated regional premiere of F1® The Movie, featuring Brad Pitt, on June 25, 2025. This event will occur a day before the film’s official theatrical release across the Middle East on June 26, 2025.
Produced under the direction of Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, F1® The Movie is an original feature from Apple Original Films. The film will be distributed globally by Warner Bros. in theatres and IMAX as it joins the broader Formula 1® community.
Production Insights and Key Figures
The film is produced by Kosinski through his Monolith Pictures, alongside notable producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman from Jerry Bruckheimer Films. The production team also includes seven-time F1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, as well as Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner of Plan B Entertainment.
The screenplay, crafted by Academy Award-nominee Ehren Kruger, is based on a collaborative story developed by Kosinski and Kruger. The premiere will mark a significant event for the cast and crew, who completed filming during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2024.
Statement from Local Officials
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the premiere. “We are looking forward to welcoming the cast and crew for a fourth F1-related occasion after three years of filming,” he stated. He highlighted the meaningful impact of the film’s production on Abu Dhabi’s creative ecosystem. “This event is a fitting celebration of the production project and our first official partnership with Apple Original Films.”
Supporting Organizations
The regional premiere has garnered support from the Creative Media Authority, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and local production partner Epic Films. These collaborations reflect the commitment to fostering the film industry within the region while promoting significant cinematic events.
Filming Locations and Community Involvement
F1® The Movie was filmed during real Grand Prix weekends in various global locations, with a concentrated 29-day production phase in Abu Dhabi. Key filming sites included the Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios.
In total, 284 local crew members contributed to the film, augmented by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s rebate scheme. The production also involved fifteen UAE-based interns, providing them with invaluable exposure to industry professionals.
Film Synopsis
The narrative of F1® The Movie centers around Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Brad Pitt, a once-promising F1 driver whose career faced a major setback due to a significant crash. As the story unfolds decades later, he is lured back into the racing world by his former teammate, Ruben Cervantes, played by Javier Bardem. Cervantes now owns a struggling Formula 1 team facing collapse.
Hayes is brought in for one last chance at glory, racing alongside emerging talent Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The film delves into personal rivalries and past traumas, intertwining the competitive nature of motorsport with deep emotional undercurrents.
Promoting Abu Dhabi’s Film Industry
Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, emphasized the pride of hosting the premiere. “This moment will reunite many of the cast and crew after wrapping 29 days of production in the region,” he remarked. Al Jaberi expressed that such milestone events are crucial for advancing Abu Dhabi’s film and TV production industry. These premieres serve as an opportunity to celebrate the collaboration with globally recognized directors and producers within a supportive environment.
Supporting Major Productions
The release of F1® The Movie contributes to the growing film landscape in Abu Dhabi, adding to the over 180 major productions supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission since the introduction of its incentive program in 2013. This continuous support highlights the region’s commitment to enhancing its profile in the global cinematic arena.
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