Reel Palestine Film Festival at Cinema Akil begins: Everything to know
Life
by Ruman Baig
47 seconds ago
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:
“A State of Passion” 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.
“Life Is Beautiful” by Mohamed Jabaly
A poignant reflection on family and perseverance amid war. Includes a special Q&A with the director.
“Passing Dreams” 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.
“From Ground Zero”
An extraordinary anthology of 22 short films captured over 11 months. Palestine’s official Oscars submission for 2025, already shortlisted.
“Thank You for Banking with Us” by Laila Abbas
A humorous and sharp critique of Sharia law inheritance practices. Making its Gulf Premiere.
“Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958–1989” directed by Göran Hugo Olsson
A unique documentary using archival footage to chronicle life in the region.
“Voyage à Gaza” 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.
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