Cinema Akil, the UAE's sole independent cinema, returns with its eagerly awaited Arab Cinema Week Volume 3, taking place from November 22 to December 1. This ten-day event will present a diverse selection of films addressing critical issues within the Arab world.
The festival kicks off with 'Anxious in Beirut' by Zakaria Jaber, establishing an introspective mood as it delves into the political and personal dynamics that shape life in Beirut and beyond. This year's lineup features films from 11 countries, with Yemen making its debut in the festival.
Audiences can look forward to 6 fiction and 5 non-fiction feature films, along with 2 short film programs comprising 10 shorts. The festival emphasizes the progression of hybrid storytelling and the impact of cinematic language. Notably, Arab Cinema Week strongly advocates for women’s voices, with nearly half of the films directed by female filmmakers, honoring their roles both on and off-screen.
Among the notable films are 'The Burdened' by Amr Gamal, which delves into a family's struggle against economic hardships, and 'Behind the Mountains' by Mohamed Ben Attia, a poignant father-son narrative. The festival also highlights the resilience of Lebanon and Sudan through films like 'Les Chenilles' and 'Disorder'.
A special shorts program showcases UAE filmmakers, while the visual identity, crafted by Nada Sultan, effectively captures the theme of resilience in a fragmented world.
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