While Abbas Kiarostami’s shot of chrysanthemums from the 1990 film, Close-up, remains etched in memory as a moment emblematic of Arab cinema, we see more and more regional filmmakers exploring new approaches to storytelling that portray the strife of the Arab world through a different lens. The third edition of Cinema Akil’s Arab Cinema Week, running until 1 December, spotlights these voices with a lineup that spans 11 countries including the UAE, Egypt and Morocco. From documentaries to feature films, the programme ensures a well-rounded viewing experience that educates and entertains.
The ten-day festival began with Zakaria Jaber’s Anxious in Beirut, a 2023 documentary that shows the realities of living in Lebanon over the past two years. Zakaria narrates his own life, complete with the trials and tribulations of a difficult time. Looking ahead, the festival will also be screening Ben Attia’s Behind the Mountains, a supernatural drama of a man who believes he can fly. The annual festival screens a range of movies, each reflecting the landscape of the region yet offering multiple perspectives through various cinematic styles. Taking viewers out of their festive cheer for a moment, Arab Cinema Week encourages introspection on the trying times faced by the region.
Arab Cinema Week also amplifies female voices in the Arab film industry with nearly 50% of the programme given to female filmmakers. This not only allows for different perspectives, but provides a platform for female talents to showcase their artistic ability, both in-front and behind the camera.
Egyptian filmmakers Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir’s The Brink of Dreams, which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, will also be screened at Cinema Akil. The story follows an all-female acting troupe that perseveres despite societal rejections. Moroccan filmmaker Asmae El Moudir’s The Mother of Lies is another riveting watch as it narrates both the personal and political stories that happened during the 1981 Bread Riots in Casablanca, Morocco.
If you’re interested in interacting with the directors, the theatre has also arranged Q&A sessions after the screenings, letting viewers get a deeper understanding of themes explored in the narratives. Whether you’re looking for a unique cinema-going experience outside of the traditional or are keen on learning more about the Arab film world, Cinema Akil is where you should be headed this week. Book now
