With the Dubai International Film Festival currently on ice, options to see regional independent cinema have become worryingly sparse, which is why we’ve been big supporters of the UAE’s Cinema Akil since it launched as a nomadic cinema in 2014.
Now with its first permanent location in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, the GCC’s first arthouse cinema has become the new home for screenings important local films.
Case in point, this month sees Cinema Akil hosting Reel Palestine — an annual film festival showing a selection of alternative Palestinian films in the Emirates.
From January 18 to 26 more daily screenings, talks and a vibrant market of Palestinian crafts and food will be on offer in both Dubai and, for the first time, in Abu Dhabi at Warehouse 421.
Films screening during the week include human focused stories in both English and Arabic including Nayla and the Uprising, Ambulance, Wall and What Wala’a Wants.
Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. January 18 to 26. AED53. cinemaakil.com
