Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, screens the Hollywood blockbuster “Black Panther" during the first opening of a commercial movie theater in 35 years.

The invitation-only gala screening took place on Wednesday where a limited number of guests were present for the event.

Public screenings are said to start by May 1 and in the upcoming five years the American basic cable (AMC) Entertainment Holdings is scheduled to establish 40 theatres around the country.

The lifting of the ban comes as an attempt by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to modernize the kingdom. Crucial scenes would be censored for modesty reasons but the lifting of the ban is still a step forward as the cinemas will not be gender segregated.

Saudi officials strongly feel that cinemas will support their economy and encourage their citizens to spend their money on local entertainment, rather than travel abroad and spend their money elsewhere.