Get ready for ten days of thought-provoking, emotional, and at times surreal storytelling — Arab Cinema Week is making its return to Cinema Akil from May 2 to 11, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most diverse editions yet.
Taking place at Dubai’s beloved independent cinema in Alserkal Avenue, the festival will showcase 10 feature films from 10 different Arab countries, including six Gulf premieres and three UAE premieres. The films span multiple genres and explore themes like identity, conflict, motherhood, legacy, and survival — all brought to life by a wide array of Arab filmmakers, nearly half of whom are women.
View this post on Instagram
Arab Cimena Week 2025: Full Schedule
Friday, May 2
- 7 PM – “Three” by Nayla Al Khaja
A desperate mother confronts ancient rituals to save her son from a mysterious illness in this psychological horror spanning the UAE and Thailand. - 9:15 PM – “My Memory is Full of Ghosts” by Anas Zawahri
A haunting, poetic visual journey through post-war Homs, Syria, blending memory, trauma, and resilience.
View this post on Instagram
Saturday, May 3
- 4:30 PM – “Aicha” by Mehdi Barsaoui
A Tunisian woman fakes her death to escape an oppressive life, only to find new challenges in her pursuit of freedom. - 7 PM – “Arzé” by Mira Shaib
A mother and her son set off on a scooter journey through Beirut in search of a stolen phone, exploring sectarian divisions with humour and heart. - 9:30 PM – “Mond” (Moon) by Kurdwin Ayub
A surreal story of an Austrian martial artist who stumbles into the mystical world of three Jordanian sisters, blending dreamlike visuals and abstract storytelling.
View this post on Instagram
Sunday, May 4
- 3 PM – “Sudan, Remember Us” by Hind Meddeb
A bold documentary capturing Sudan’s youth-led resistance through raw footage and interviews, offering a window into the country’s ongoing political transformation. - 5:15 PM – “The Village Next to Paradise” by Mo Harawe
Set in a Somali coastal village, this poetic tale explores the quiet hopes of a struggling family facing social and personal upheavals. - 7:30 PM – “Abo Zaabal 89” by Bassam Mortada
A reflective drama about the tension between personal ambition and political responsibility, told through the lens of a father-son relationship in Egypt.
View this post on Instagram
Monday, May 5
- 7 PM – “Saify” by Wael Abu Mansour
A nostalgic trip into Saudi Arabia’s past, following a man who clings to his cassette shop and the memories it holds. - 9:30 PM – “Abo Zaabal 89” by Bassam Mortada (Encore Screening)
A second chance to catch this thought-provoking film on legacy and political choices within a family context.
View this post on Instagram
From May 6 to 11, all 10 films will be re-screened, giving audiences a second chance to catch any they missed during the opening weekend. The festival will also feature filmmaker Q&As and panel discussions, offering deeper insight into the stories and creative processes behind the films.
Tickets are AED 56.70 per person, available through cinemaakil.com. Be sure to check the site for updated schedules and announcements about special events during the week.
