Zimbabwean Hollywood celebrity, Thandie Newton's, apocalyptic disaster film, 2012, has been named the highest grossing film in cinema history. On its opening night, it was seen by more than 47,000 people, grossing around US$149,474 at the box office, according to a statement issued by the film's regional distributor, Empire International Gulf .
The plot centres on disastrous events that coincide with the end of the Mayan calendar in the year 2012.
"We always anticipated 2012 would be a big hit but we are delighted with its level of success, topping the biggest movies in recent years," said Empire International Gulf sales and marketing vice-president, Mario Junior Haddad. "We find that audiences appreciate action adventure movies and I think that 2012 offered something unique in terms of both action and special effects."
Directed by Roland Emmerich, the film stars John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton and Woody Harrelson.
Newton stars as the president's daughter.
The movie is about the impossible task of saving the entire human race, with President Thomas Wilson (Glover) fully aware of what the world is about to face – and equally quick to prevent mass hysteria by keeping the information secret. The president’s daughter, Laura (Thandie Newton), is shocked to find out what her father’s government has hidden from the world. In fact, it seems that the only man outside the government with any clue as to what is about to happen is the radio host (and maybe prophet) Charlie Frost (Harrelson), who broadcasts his predictions to anyone who will listen.
The total projected television, online and mobile audience in North America that were able to see the footage in the first 24 hours exceeded 140 million consumers.