Farah Nabulsi's 'The Teacher' will mark its UAE premiere on the festival’s opening night.
Cinema Akil, the independent cinema in the GCC, is set to host the tenth edition of Reel Palestine, a film festival that pays homage to Palestinian resilience. The festival draws inspiration from the Gaza City shield, symbolising solidarity with the Palestinian people who steadfastly continue their fight for the right to exist.
This edition, running from January 26 to February 4, features a lineup of 12 feature films and documentaries, accompanied by an engaging short film programme. The festival will also offer an array of masterclasses, workshops, and the annual souq.
Reel Palestine’s commitment to the enduring Palestinian value of “sumud” or steadfastness is exemplified through a diverse selection of films. The opening night sets the tone with the screening of Farah Nabulsi’s latest feature, The Teacher.
The festival delves into the Palestinian collective narrative with films such as the harrowing survival tale of Lyd through its ravaged ages, the cacophonous defiance depicted in Tomorrow’s Freedom: Marwan Barghouti, the exploration of refugee journeys in Notes on Displacement, enduring family bonds in Bye Bye Tiberias, cross-continental experimentation in solidarity with R21 by Mohanad Yacubi, tattered recollections of fading memory in Aida Returns, the surreality of geographic isolation in We No Longer Prefer Mountains, and the hardened exhale in Three Promises by first-time filmmaker Yusef Srouji.
Reel Palestine goes beyond the cinematic experience, offering masterclasses and workshops exploring these themes. The RP Souk, featuring Palestinian small businesses and organisations, will be the largest participation to date.
Select films will have directors present in person, and virtual Q&A sessions will be available for others after their screenings. Additionally, two public non-ticketed outdoor screenings are scheduled at the Quoz Arts Fest in the Yard at Alserkal Avenue and Cinema Akil’s new outpost at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central.
Hosted by Cinema Akil, Reel Palestine is presented by Bayt and supported by Bristol and Advanced Media.
