The event will screen 10 feature films.
Few venues have altered the cultural landscape of Dubai like Cinema Akil – not only is it the first arthouse cinema in the region, but it has also been instrumental in building awareness of independent filmmaking in both the UAE and the Middle East as a whole. Now, the independent cinema is gearing up to host its Arab Cinema Week from 2 to 11 May, bringing with it both stories and talent from the region.
Arab Cinema Week Volume 4 promises to be a spectacular journey into the heart of Arab cinema. Spanning ten countries and a diverse mix of genres, this year’s Arab Cinema Week delves into the soul of a region in flux. Volume 4 is ultimately a celebration of people—their struggles, their resilience, and the dreams that keep them moving forward. Of the ten feature films selected, six will have their Gulf premieres, and three will screen in the UAE for the first time.
Arab Cinema Week opens with a chilling psychological horror from the UAE—Three by Nayla Al Khaja. Rooted in themes of tradition, faith, and the supernatural, the film sets the tone for a powerful program that spans ten Arab countries and an array of genres/
Following the opening night, the lineup includes The Village Next to Paradise by Mo Harawe, a poetic drama set in a Somali village grappling with survival and dreams, and Arzé by Mira Shaib, a tender yet humorous portrait of a mother and son navigating Beirut’s sectarian fault lines in search of a stolen scooter. Mond, directed by Kurdwin Ayub, follows an Austrian martial artist into the cloistered world of three Jordanian sisters where power and identity collide.
Other highlights include Saify by Wael Abu Mansour from Saudi Arabia, blending nostalgic humor with poignant reflection, and Aicha by Mehdi Barsaoui, a powerful account of a woman who fakes her own death to escape oppression—only to confront even deeper scars.
In the documentary section, Abo Zaabal 89 by Bassam Mortada offers a moving father-son reflection on the weight of political decisions, while In My Memory is Full of Ghosts by Anas Zawahri explores the haunting beauty of post-war Homs. Finally, Sudan, Remember Us by Hind Meddeb, chronicles the unyielding spirit of Sudan’s youth amid the country’s ongoing political unrest.
This year’s edition continues to spotlight the dynamic evolution of Arab cinema, with nearly half of the featured films directed by women, underscoring Cinema Akil’s ongoing commitment to championing Arab women’s voices both in front of and behind the camera. Select screenings will also feature Q&A sessions with the filmmakers, providing audiences with a deeper insight into the stories and creative visions on screen.
Grab your tickets now. It’s going to be a blockbuster event.
GO: Visit www.cinemaakil.com for tickets and more information.