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Cinema Akil brings back ‘Summer of Classics' season

Spanning a full century, from the silent wonders of the 1920s to the poetic tales of today, this programme brings together 14 films that continue to move audiences around the world. Cinema Akil has announced the return of its Summer of Classics season, offering audiences in Dubai the chance to revisit 14 iconic films that span nearly 100 years of cinema history. As the summer slows down in terms of new blockbuster releases, this curated programme offers a journey through landmark works that continue to resonate with viewers across generations. The selection begins with two silent-era masterpieces from 1925: The Gold Rush and The Phantom of the Opera. Charlie Chaplin's timeless tale of hardship and resilience in The Gold Rush retains its charm and emotional pull even today, while The Phantom of the Opera showcases the enduring impact of gothic horror and the power of cinematic storytelling without dialogue. From West Africa, Ousmane Sembène's The Money Order (Mandabi) presents a critique of postcolonial bureaucracy and holds historical significance as the first film made in the Wolof language. The programme then shifts to the mid-20th century with Rebel Without a Cause, in which James Dean gives voice to the angst and alienation of postwar youth, a theme that finds a modern echo in La Haine, set in the politically charged streets of 1990s France. Both films explore the frustration of young people unheard by society. Themes of identity, belonging and expression run deeply through the programme. Dead Poets Society celebrates the transformative power of language and mentorship, while Edward Scissorhands tells a poetic tale of difference and acceptance through the lens of a gentle outsider. Similarly, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset explore the intimacy of fleeting connections and the weight of time through two deeply personal encounters, while Memento dives into fractured memory and identity in a gripping psychological narrative. The season also showcases films of epic scale and emotional depth. Braveheart captures the spirit of resistance and sacrifice in a tale of freedom and heroism, while Batman Begins redefines the superhero genre through a darker, psychologically rich portrayal of trauma and transformation. Rounding out the programme is Wes Anderson's visually lush The Grand Budapest Hotel, a bittersweet exploration of friendship and loss, and Undine, a lyrical, contemporary myth where love and water intertwine in a quiet meditation on longing. Through this diverse lineup, Cinema Akil's Summer of Classics invites audiences to reconnect with some of the most enduring works in cinema. These films, drawn from across genres, cultures and eras, not only entertain but continue to challenge, inspire, and comfort, offering timeless reflections on what it means to be human.