You know those moments when all you need is a movie full of soul that knows how to make you cry your eyes out and laugh your heart out at the same time? I know exactly how you feel, and so does Cinema Akil – which is why they are bringing back their infamous Arab Cinema Week this May! From Thursday, May 2 until Sunday, May 11, prepare yourself for 10 days of non-stop powerhouse storytelling from across the Arab world. This week is all about shining a spotlight on the diversity, talent, and creativity that continues to shape the region’s film scene. I have all the details you want to know about Arab Cinema Week at Cinema Akil, so keep reading to find out more.
The Variety Speaks Volumes
This year’s selection is all about variety – expect a mix of genres, themes, and perspectives. With 10 feature films, 6 Gulf Premieres, and 3 UAE Premieres, the festival showcases stories from 10 Arab countries, including Lebanon, Sudan, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Tunisia, Qatar, Jordan, and Syria! Each film explores a different slice of Arab life. From deep personal struggles and political reflection, to surreal escapes from reality. And true to Cinema Akil’s mission, nearly half of the films this year are directed by women, keeping the focus on strong female voices in Arab cinema!
Welcome To Opening Night
On Friday, May 2, the festival opens with the film ‘Three,’ starting at 7PM. Set between UAE and Thailand, this film is best described as a psychological horror by Nayla Al Khaja. It follows a desperate mother who turns to ancient rituals in a race to save her son from a strange and haunting illness. It’s eerie, emotional, and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.
Get To Know The Films
With 9 films left to go in the festival, here’s what you can expect to watch during Arabic Cinema Week:
- The Village Next to Paradise by Mo Harawe: takes you to a Somali village and into the quiet hopes of a struggling family. It’s poetic and deeply moving.
- Arzé by Mira Shaib: mixes humour and heart in a mother-son scooter hunt across Beirut, offering a subtle take on sectarian tensions.
- Mond (Moon) by Kurdwin Ayub: gets surreal, following an Austrian martial artist as she lands in the mysterious world of three Jordanian sisters.
- Saify by Wael Abu Mansour: is a witty trip into the life of a Saudi man holding onto his cassette shop and his past.
- Aicha by Mehdi Barsaoui: brings a heavier tone, telling the story of a woman who fakes her death to escape injustice, only to face new challenges in freedom.
- Abo Zaabal 89 by Bassam Mortada: reflects on how a father’s political decisions impact his son. A thoughtful look into family and legacy.
- My Memory is Full of Ghosts by Anas Zawahri: captures the haunting beauty and brokenness of post-war Homs, Syria, through poetic visuals.
- Sudan, Remember Us by Hind Meddeb: made waves at Venice last year, is a powerful look at Sudan’s youth-led resistance.
- Tell Them About Us by Rand Beiruty: follows Arab, Kurdish, and Roma teenage girls in Germany as they use performance to reclaim their voices.
The Schedule
Here’s the schedule for the festival so you can free space in your calendar for these masterpieces in May:
Friday, May 2
- 7:00 PM – Three by Nayla Al Khaja
- 9:15 PM – My Memory is Full of Ghosts by Anas Zawahri
Saturday, May 3
- 4:30 PM – Aicha by Mehdi Barsaoui
- 7:00 PM – Arzé by Mira Shaib
- 9:30 PM – Mond (Moon) by Kurdwin Ayub
Sunday, May 4
- 3:00 PM – Sudan, Remember Us by Hind Meddeb
- 5:15 PM – The Village Next to Paradise by Mo Harawe
- 7:30 PM – Abo Zaabal 89 by Bassam Mortada
Monday, May 5
- 7:00 PM – Saify by Wael Abu Mansour
- 9:30 PM – Abo Zaabal 89 by Bassam Mortada
Daily Screenings After Opening Weekend
All 10 features films debut in the first 4 days of the festival. From May 6 till May 11, you’ll get the chance experience films you missed in the opening days. Not only that but there will also be special filmmaker Q&As, and panel discussions on the films and varying topics from the world of cinema. The timings for different events may differ, stay updated on cinemaakil.com to book your tickets and plan ahead. And don’t worry about spending a fortune for this cinematic experience, tickets are AED 56.70 per person.
So, are you ready to discover new story and celebrate a region rich in culture, history, and imagination?
Arab Cinema Week at Cinema Akil is just a week away, get your tickets now!
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