DUBAI – Cinema Akil, the UAE’s premier independent cinema, kicked off Arab Cinema Week Volume 3 on Friday (today) which would continue until December 1. This ten-day festival promises a diverse selection of films that delve into significant social and political issues across the Arab world.
The event opens with Zakaria Jaber’s Anxious in Beirut, a reflective piece that captures the intertwining of personal and political dynamics shaping life in Beirut and beyond.
This year’s program features contributions from 11 countries, including Yemen, which is making its festival debut. The lineup includes 6 fiction and 5 non-fiction feature films, alongside 2 short film programs showcasing 10 shorts.
Arab Cinema Week emphasizes the evolution of storytelling and the unique power of cinema, with a strong focus on amplifying women’s voices.
Nearly 50% of the films are directed by female filmmakers, celebrating their creative contributions both on and off screen.
Highlights include Amr Gamal’s The Burdened, depicting a family’s struggle against economic hardships, and Mohamed Ben Attia’s Behind the Mountains, a transformative narrative about a father and son.
The visual identity of the event, designed by Nada Sultan, powerfully encapsulates the theme of resilience in a fragmented world, adding depth to the festival’s overarching narrative.
The festival also features films that reflect the resilience of Lebanon and Sudan, such as Les Chenilles and Disorder.
Additionally, a dedicated shorts program shines a spotlight on the talents of UAE-based filmmakers.
