Cinema Akil: The Heartbeat of Film in Dubai
Exploring the Art of Cinema from unique Festivals to Pop-Up Screens
Hey streamers 👋
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Today’s program
The Story behind Cinema Akil
The Festivals & pop-ups
Cinema & streaming: rivals or allies?
And… Action!
The Story behind Cinema Akil
In the heart of Dubai's cultural scene, Cinema Akil is unique. It's not just the first arthouse cinema in the GCC, it's also a dream realized by its founder, Butheina Kazim, in 2014.
Cinema Akil started as a pop-up screen, and finally found a permanent home in Alserkal Avenue in September 2018, with an ambition to touch every community. Since then, this unique vision came to life through over 95+ pop-up cinemas, drawing in more than 65,000 attendees across the UAE, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Since opening its doors, Cinema Akil has been showcasing over 150 films in more than 50 languages from over 80 countries, and hosting 15 festivals. Its rich and diverse programming has a wide influence, from the Reel Palestine Film Festival to Sudanese, Korean, Latin American, and Spanish film weeks.
Yet, the heart of Cinema Akil beats strongest for its regional stories. Inspired by the lack of Arab and North African films in Dubai, Butheina Kazim’s vision was to fill this void and bring rich narratives to the community. She curates a blend of beloved classics and genres, behind aware of their educational and cultural significance.
What struck me the most when I entered cinema Akil for the first time: its atmosphere. The dark red walls of the theatre and its seats from the iconic Plaza Cinema in Bur Dubai are definitely an homage to the golden era of cinema.
The Festivals & Pop Ups
Cinema Akil has recently unveiled a new, no-cost seasonal outdoor space: Cinema Akil in 25hours (CA in 25hours). The program this month? Home Alone on December 24th ;)
Cinema Akil showcases regularly a rich agenda of film festivals and pop-ups that captivate audiences. Let me share with you what happened this year:
Asian Cinerama - Hong Kong Film Festival (Nov 10-16, 2023)
The Asien Cinerama celebrated the vibrancy of Hong Kong cinema, from martial arts to romantic dramas, with 7 films showcasing the region's past, present, and future.
Arab Cinema Week 2023 (Oct 6-15, 2023)
This week focused on narratives exploring identity, tradition, and society in the Arab world. This year's theme, "Human Bonds," reflects a deep dive into what ties individuals to their societies.
Il Cinema Ritrovato on Tour in Dubai (Sep 15-21, 2023)
This unique tour offered a selection of 7 digitally restored heritage films from around the globe, presented for the first time in Dubai.
Summer of Classics (Jul 23-Sep 14, 2023)
A curation of classic films inspired by Martin Scorsese's commitment to film preservation, featuring movies from Lebanon, Senegal, France, India, the US, and Germany.
Martin Scorsese Retrospective (Jul 14-Sep 14, 2023)
A two-month tribute to the iconic director, showcasing ten of his masterpieces, reflecting tales of violence, love, and urban struggles.
And many more!
Italian Film Week 2023 (Jun 9-15, 2023)
CINEMINI (May 5-Jun 4, 2023)
Wong Kar-Wai Retrospective (May 12-28, 2023)
Franco Film Festival 2023 (Mar 10-16, 2023)
Reel Palestine 2023 (Jan 27-Feb 5, 2023)
The agenda for 2024 is not available yet. In the meantime don’t miss the pop-ups that are still live this December:
Warehouse421 Palestinian Cinema Days (December 1-22, 2023 - Warehouse 421, Abu Dhabi)
OFF CIRCUIT: Cinema Akil x Sole (December 5-26, 2023 - Cinema Akil in 25Hours, Dubai)
Cinema & streaming: rivals or allies?
In a world where streaming services are mainstream, I’m wondering: How does traditional cinema like Cinema Akil coexist with digital platforms?
Streaming platforms have democratized access to a multitude of films, but the experience they offer is very different from what Cinema provides. Here at Cinema Akil, cinema is not just about watching a film, it's about the experience and the community: the shared laughter & tears and the discussions after the credits roll.
Cinema Akil retains a charm that streaming cannot replicate. Its curated screenings, festivals, and retrospectives offer a unique sense of history. Moreover, the cinema's focus on regional stories, often underrepresented in most of the streaming platforms, adds a layer of cultural richness and diversity.
As Butheina Kazim, the founder of Cinema Akil, suggests, the essence of cinema lies in its collective experience, its ability to bring people together in a shared space. While streaming provides convenience and a vast selection, cinemas like Akil offer an immersive experience that celebrates the art of filmmaking in its most authentic form.
Streaming services should also learn from traditional cinemas and their curation expertise. It would be amazing to watch a FAST channel called “Movies, curated by Cinema Akil” on Shahid or STARZ ON with a new and diverse programme introduced each month.
In the end, Cinema Akil and streaming services can be seen not as enemies, but as different chapters of the same story, each playing a vital role in the world of film. Together, they offer a complete picture: one that honors the legacy of cinema while embracing the future.
That’s all for today, why we need more Cinema Akil(s). If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues!
I hope everyone has a great week and see you online next Monday. Until then, enjoy Home Alone at CINEMA AKIL in 25hours on 24, 28 or 31 December. An eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas eve.
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