Opening Night: Saudi Arabian ban on movie theaters ends after 35 years

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The smell of popcorn filled the air at a special event in Saudi Arabia. A 35-year ban on movie theaters came to an end, with the screening of a Hollywood hit. Guy Henderson was in the capital Riyadh for the opening night.

A new era of entertainment has begun in Saudi Arabia. A few months ago, going to the movies was unthinkable. Now, the man who enforced that law is among those in the audience at the premiere, with the blessing of the King. But it's the younger Crown Prince who's receiving the praise.

AWWAD ALAWWAD SAUDI MINISTER OF CULTURE & INFORMATION "Nothing of what we've seen today would have been possible without the visionary leadership of the great Crown Prince. He is basically the driver, the leader, the instructor."

All around the venue, scenes that would have been frowned upon, or far worse, until recently. This is a society testing the limits - and it's the establishment itself that keeps moving the lines. Just a private screening for now. Hollywood Blockbuster 'Black Panther' will go public here within weeks.

GUY HENDERSON RIYADH "Most of Saudi Arabia's youthful population wasn't alive when the last cinemas were closed down 35 years ago. Now, there are plans to roll out two-thousand more in the next decade or so. The Kingdom wants to spend $64 billion over that period to build up its entertainment sector. All part of what's known as Vision 2030."

A plan to wean the Saudi economy off oil - and transform society rather radically.This Saudi-produced music video has gone viral notching 21 million hits on YouTube and counting. The director is a household name here - Majed al Esa. But he'd never shown his face. Times are changing.

MAJED AL ESA DIRECTOR, HWAGES "We had an idea that these changes were going to come, and we wanted to be part of these changes that were coming, so we are working to make sure these changes continue, and we are working to contribute."

It's shock treatment not everyone likes in this deeply conservative society. The company running the show acknowledges that reality.

ADAM AARON PRESIDENT, AMC THEATRES "What the Crown Prince is offering the youth of Saudi Arabia is what young people have been thirsting for. So we think his initiatives are immensely popular in the country. And of course behind the scenes, we'll be taking any necessary precautions to guard against anything that might happen."

Tonight, though, it's all about popcorn and partying: coming soon - to a Saudi cinema near you. Guy Henderson, CGTN, RIYADH.