The Arab Cinema Week will open with 'Three', a psychological horror directed by Nayla Al Khaja.
Cinema Akil is gearing up to host Arab Cinema Week Volume 4, presented by Fujifilm, running from May 2 to May 11, 2025, in partnership with Alserkal Avenue and communications partner Soul Communications. This year’s edition promises a rich cinematic experience, showcasing stories from 10 different countries and embracing a variety of genres that reflect the dynamic identity of the Arab world.
At the heart of Volume 4 is an exploration of human resilience and aspiration—stories rooted in the pursuit of home, freedom, reconciliation and survival. These films offer a poignant reminder that personal dreams often carry immense collective resonance.
The festival opens with Three, a psychological horror by Nayla Al Khaja, set between the UAE and Thailand. The film follows a desperate mother who turns to ancient rituals in a bid to save her son, merging elements of faith, tradition and the supernatural.
Among the highlights is The Village Next to Paradise, a Cannes-selected poetic drama by Mo Harawe, centred on a family in a Somali village navigating life between hardship and hope. Arzé by Mira Shaib adds humour and heart, telling the story of a mother and son chasing a stolen scooter across Beirut, confronting sectarian divides along the way.
In Mond, Austrian director Kurdwin Ayub crafts a surreal narrative of an Austrian martial artist entering the secluded world of three Jordanian sisters, exploring power dynamics and control. From Saudi Arabia, Saify by Wael Abu Mansour delivers satire through a man entrenched in the past, clinging to his cassette store, while Aicha by Mehdi Barsaoui tells a sobering story of a woman’s attempt at escape and the harsh realities that follow.
The festival’s documentary selection is equally compelling. Abo Zaabal 89 by Bassam Mortada examines the generational echoes of political decisions, while In My Memory is Full of Ghosts by Anas Zawahri offers a hauntingly poetic view of post-war Homs. Sudan, Remember Us by Hind Meddeb, fresh from the Venice Film Festival, captures the energy of youth activism and creative defiance amid Sudan’s ongoing unrest. Tell Them About Us by Rand Beiruty portrays the empowering journeys of Arab, Kurdish and Roma teenage girls in Germany through performance and storytelling.
Audiences can expect screenings, Q&As with filmmakers and thought-provoking discussions throughout the week.
