Image Nation Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Cinema Akil present
“On Arab Geographies” Film Program
4-6 May in Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
A travelogue throughout the Arab World and beyond
Abu Dhabi, UAE:
Image Nation Abu Dhabi, one of the region’s leading media and entertainment companies, and independent film platform Cinema Akil, are proud to present for the first time in Abu Dhabi “On Arab Geographies”; a film program dedicated to showcasing a selection of films from across the Arab world and beyond. The program aims to showcase a powerful and broad spectrum of critically-acclaimed contemporary Arab films around the notion of geography. The On Arab Geographies program of screenings and talks will be held in Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi from 4 till 6 May, 2017.
The weekend-long program revolves around the geographies of Arab film – it will feature films that capture contemporary narratives and stories in the region. The program is curated by Rabih El Khoury, who is currently the Program Manager of Talents Beirut, a Programmer at ALFILM the Arab Film Festival in Berlin and a member of the administrative board of the Metropolis Association. On Arab Geographies will screen a total of eight films that include feature length and short narratives, documentaries from UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Tunisia and Lebanon among others.
Commenting on the program, Gehad Darwish, from Image Nation Abu Dhabi said: “Our vision at Image Nation is to create opportunities for Arab talent to tell their stories, and provide them with the right platform to showcase, network and share their ideas with the audience. It is also an opportunity for local audiences to discover the breadth and depth of Arab films and support their local filmmakers. We are very pleased with this collaboration with Cinema Akil and the great selection of films and narratives curated by the brilliant Rabih El Khoury.”
The lineup will showcase titles including Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s documentary feature Zainab Hates the Snow and Amna Al Nowais’s short film, Omnia.
In addition to the film screenings, the program will also include panel discussions and Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and film experts that shed light on the opportunities and challenges of filmmaking in the region, in addition to discussions on the different geographies of the Arab world.
Rabih El Khoury also commented: “This program aims to be a travelogue throughout the Arab World and beyond. A journey that is not only shaped by mobility and movement within a set of geographical entities, but also one that is led by internal wanderings, and individual efforts to find hope.”
Butheina Kazim, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Cinema Akil said: “The main objective of the program is to cater to an increasingly wide audience interested in contemporary Arab cinema and storytelling in addition to adding to the thriving cultural scene in Abu Dhabi. The program is also in line with Cinema Akil and Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s shared vision of providing a consistent platform for showcasing contemporary Arab cinema.”
The program opens on the 4th May at 7pm with the award winning Egyptian feature film In The Last Days of the City (2016) directed by Tamer El Said.
On Arab Geographies, film program is aligned with the #SupportArabCinema campaign by Image Nation, which encourages local audiences to support Arab films and filmmakers in the region.
The program is open to the public and free of charge.
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For press inquiries please contact:
Maryam Wissam
050-7952582
Notes to the Editor:
About Image Nation Abu Dhabi
Image Nation Abu Dhabi is one of the leading media and entertainment companies in the Arabic-speaking world. The company produces local and international films, documentaries and television content. In 2015 Image Nation launched the Arabic TV channel Quest Arabiya in association with Discovery Communications. Quest Arabiya reaches an Arab audience of 340 million people in 45 million homes in 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
The company aims to build a sustainable film and television industry in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.
Image Nation’s slate includes Emirati-produced feature films (Zinzana, From A to B), cause-driven documentaries (He Named Me Malala, Every Last Child), insightful television shows (Beyond Borders, Hayati Walaskariya) television dramas (Justice) and award-winning international films (The Help, Flight, 99 Homes). Through its content, Image Nation is creating opportunities for local talent to tell their stories and gain the experience essential to sustain a local industry.
www.imagenationabudhabi.com // Facebook – Image Nation Abu Dhabi // Twitter – @ImageNationAD // Instagram – @ImageNationAD // @SupportArabCinema #SupportArabCinema
Audiences can keep up-to-date on Arab films, filmmakers and talent via the @supportarabcinema Instagram page.
About Cinema Akil
Cinema Akil is an independent cinema platform that brings quality films from around the world to audiences in the UAE. Showcasing directors and filmmakers across the decades, Cinema Akil aims to create awareness and interest in film and the cinematic arts. Launched in 2014 as a nomadic cinema, Cinema Akil has held over 35 pop-up cinemas attracting over 11,000 attendees in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Follow us into the dark.
www.cinemaakil.com // Facebook – Cinema Akil // Twitter – @CinemaAkil // Instagram – @CinemaAkil // Snapchat – CinemaAkil #fortheloveoffilm
