From January 24 to February 2, Cinema Akil will host the 11th edition of the Reel Palestine Film Festival.
Cinema Akil, the independent cinema in the GCC, has reopened after a two-week break, offering a slate of films and events. Located at Alserkal Avenue and 25hours Hotel near the World Trade Centre, the independent cinema had paused operations from December 29 to January 9, resuming with fresh programming.
From January 10 to January 23, the Alserkal Avenue venue will showcase two newly released films. Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo, an Egyptian film, delves into everyday struggles and violence as it follows Hassan, his mother and their dog Rambo on a transformative journey through Cairo’s harsh realities. In contrast, the Iranian film My Favourite Cake presents a touching slice-of-life story about 70-year-old Mahin, who embarks on a quest to rekindle her love life, leading to an unforgettable evening that changes her forever.
Following this, Cinema Akil will host the 11th edition of the Reel Palestine Film Festival from January 24 to February 2. This annual event highlights Palestinian stories and films, though the specific line-up for this year’s festival has not yet been announced.
At the 25hours Hotel venue, a curated selection of films will be screened for free throughout January. These include the 1957 classic 12 Angry Men, the 2023 film Aida Returns—which portrays a mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s and her connection to Palestine—and Four Daughters, a blend of documentary and fiction that examines a Tunisian mother’s response to the disappearance of her two oldest daughters. The line-up concludes with R21 AKA Restoring Solidarity, a documentary on historic Japanese activism supporting the Palestinian cause.
While screenings at 25hours Hotel require reservations and are free of charge, tickets for Alserkal Avenue events start at AED 52.50.