Michael Moore's latest polemic, Where to Invade Next?, is yet to have its European premiere at this year's Berlinale, where it will screen on Wednesday, February 17, as part of the Special Gala section, but it's already been picked up for Middle East distribution by Dubai-based Front Row Entertainment.
The movie finds Moore in typically acerbic mood as he tours the globe as a hypothetical ‘invader’ to learn where the US can improve itself, and specifically its foreign policy. It had its global premiere at September’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Front Row has a long history with the films of Michael Moore — in 2004, the then year-old company picked up the US documentarian's Fahrenheit 911, a scathing investigation of the US response to the Twin Towers terrorist attack and its invasion of Iraq.
The movie was the first documentary to ever receive a Middle East theatrical release, and despite initial resistance from cinema owners went on to be among the region's top 20 films for the year, and Front Row's first million dollar+ earner. The release date for Where to invade Next? is still to be confirmed.
cnewbould@thenational.ae
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
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