Life
Palestinian cinema rises: Stories of resilience and hope at Reel Palestine 2025, at Cinema Akil.
The 11th Reel Palestine Film Festival promises an extraordinary cinematic journey, transforming Cinema Akil into a powerful platform for Palestinian storytelling from January 24th to February 2nd, 2025.
Opening Night and Feature Films
The festival opens with Mehdi Fleifel’s “To A Land Unknown”, a Cannes Film Festival selection that follows two young men risking everything for a brighter future. This powerful narrative sets the tone for a festival dedicated to illuminating Palestinian experiences.
Featured Films Include:
by Carol Mansour
A harrowing documentary following Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah’s experiences in Gaza’s emergency rooms. Screening with a Q&A featuring the director and producer Muna Khalidi.
by Mohamed Jabaly
A poignant reflection on family and perseverance amid war. Includes a special Q&A with the director.
by Rashid Masharawi
A gripping narrative about a 12-year-old boy’s journey to find his missing bird. Virtual Q&A with the director available.
An extraordinary anthology of 22 short films captured over 11 months. Palestine’s official Oscars submission for 2025, already shortlisted.
by Laila Abbas
A humorous and sharp critique of Sharia law inheritance practices. Making its Gulf Premiere.
directed by Göran Hugo Olsson
A unique documentary using archival footage to chronicle life in the region.
by Piero Usberti
A reflective journey into young Palestinians’ lives through a foreign traveler’s perspective.
Short Film Programs
The festival features two diverse short film programs exploring themes of identity, resilience, and imagination:
Program 1 Highlights:
- “Palestine Islands” – A refugee’s hopeful journey
- “Mar Mara” – A girl’s escape into imagination
- “An Orange From Yaffa” – A fraught journey through Israeli checkpoints (Academy Awards shortlisted)
Program 2 Highlights:
- “In the Waiting Room” – Navigating identity in occupied Palestine
- “A Short Film About Kids” – A dreamlike refugee journey
- “Khaled and Nema” – A boy and his goat saving their village
The Reel Palestine Souk
Beyond films, the festival hosts a vibrant marketplace featuring:
- Nearly 60 local businesses
- 18 businesses directly from Palestine
- Food, crafts, apparel, art, and books
- Located in Alserkal Avenue’s dynamic spaces
Festival Details
- Dates: January 24th to February 2nd, 2025
- Venue: Cinema Akil
- Ticket Price: AED 52.50 (excluding VAT)
- Tickets available at www.cinemaakil.com
The festival honors Hani Jawhareih, the founding father of Palestinian cinema, by showcasing films that amplify individual stories and celebrate resilience through artistic expression.
As festival organizers emphasize, this is more than a film festival – it’s a powerful platform for connection, understanding, and celebrating the complexity of Palestinian identity through the transformative power of cinema.
