Reel Palestine returns to Cinema Akil for its 12th edition, running from 23 January to 1 February, presented by Bayt and in partnership with Alserkal Avenue and the festival’s official partners Advanced Media, Bristol, Bark & Berg, Hikmat Culture, The Giving Movement, and Alserkal Avenue. The festival opens with the UAE premiere of Once Upon A Time in Gaza by Arab & Tarzan Nasser with the presence of actor Majd Eid. Reel Palestine
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As Hamas tightens control over Gaza, Yahia seeks vengeance for his friend Ossama’s brutal murder. His encounter with the killer alters everything
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“The Clown of Gaza” is a 2025 documentary film about Alaa Meqdad, a clown in Gaza who uses his performances to bring joy and a sense of resilience to children amidst the destruction of war.
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Space Cadet
A young astronaut and her guardian robot which explores grief, loss and love across generations.
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Lailas Birthday
On the day his daughter Laila becomes seven years old his wife insists that he’ll be at home early and bring her a present and a cake. Abu Laila’s has nothing else on his mind then completing this mission. But the daily life in Palestine has other plans.
Directed by Rashid Masharawi, this public film screening organised by Cinema Akil for Quoz Arts Fest by Alserkal’s programme. Buy your tickets and learn more about the festival here: https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/quoz-arts-fest.
*Entry to Alserkal Avenue requires a ticket to Quoz Arts Fest.
Flow
Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, Flow is the Winner of Best Animated Feature Film Oscar 2025, Winner of Jury Award and Audience Award at Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
A kids film screening organised by Cinema Akil for Quoz Arts Fest by Alserkal’s programme. Buy your tickets and learn more about the festival here: https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/quoz-arts-fest.
*Entry to Alserkal Avenue requires a ticket to Quoz Arts Fest.
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As part of the inaugural “Interwoven Exhibition” at House of Arts in Expo City Dubai,
Cinema Akil presents a unique outdoor cinema series that celebrates stories of
creatives and artists from the Gulf region. Presenting films that capture the essence of
our culture and exploring the art of directing and storytelling, Cinema Akil and House of
Arts at Expo City Dubai provide a platform for directors, screenwriters and industry
experts to share their sories.
01/22/2026 To 01/31/2026
Reel Palestine returns to Cinema Akil for its 12th edition, running from 23 January to 1 February, presented by Bayt and in partnership with Alserkal Avenue and the festival’s official partners Advanced Media, Bristol, Bark & Berg, Hikmat Culture, The Giving Movement, and Alserkal Avenue. The festival opens with the UAE premiere of Once Upon A Time in Gaza by Arab & Tarzan Nasser with the presence of actor Majd Eid. Reel Palestine
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