Reel Palestine returns for 11th edition at Cinema Akil
Reel Palestine, the annual UAE-based film festival celebrating Palestinian stories through independent and alternative cinema, has returned for its 11th edition. Hosted at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue, the festival coincides with the Quoz Arts Fest, offering a lineup of films, Q&A sessions, workshops and the souk.
This year's edition pays tribute to Hani Jawhareih (1936–1976), the founding father of Palestinian cinema, by showcasing films that reflect his values and enduring influence on storytelling.
The festival opened with To a Land Unknown by director Mehdi Fleifel. Other highlights include A State of Passion , a new documentary by Carol Mansour ( Aida Returns ), chronicling Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah's work in Gaza's emergency rooms during the Israel-Gaza War. The Academy Award-shortlisted From Ground Zero , a collection of 22 short films captured over 11 months in Palestine, will also make its UAE debut.
Notable premieres include Laila Abbas's Thank You for Banking with Us and Goran Hugo Olsson's documentary Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989 , exploring decades of media coverage on the conflict through archival footage. Rashid Masharawi's Passing Dreams , Piero Usberti's Voyage Into Gaza and Mohamed Jabaly's Life is Beautiful are also featured on the programme.
The festival's short film lineup includes Palestine Islands , Mar Mara , Mashed Potatoes , Post-Trauma , An Orange from Yaffa , Blood Like Water , In the Waiting Room , A Short Film About Kids , 45th Parallel , The Deer's Tooth , Khaled and Nema , Upshot and The Lizard of My Dream .
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