Cinema Akil Screening: The Poetess

Project Chaiwala and Popular art picture house Cinema Akil have partnered up to create Cinemajlis; a unique iftar experience this Ramadan at Alserkal Avenue, transforming the cinema into a dining hall the entire holy month.

Cinemajlis will run every night during the holy month and provide visitors with an unparalleled ‘dinner and a movie’ experience. Fans of the homegrown chai diner can expect a specially created iftar menu with an elevated take on casual, family-style South Asian cuisine. Films will screen every night starting at 9pm and 11pm on weekdays and pre-iftar screenings on weekdays.

The program includes Stefanie Brockhaus’s The Poetess; a documentary film on Saudi poet Reem Hilal; the first female finalist in male-dominated Million’s Poet TV poetry competition. Hissa Hilal speaks out from behind her veil. With one of the most resounding weapons in the world – her words – locked and loaded, Hilal joins Million's Poet, an Abu Dhabi-based television show, to speak out about extremism and oppression. In a daring, never-seen-before feat, she points her fingers at perpetrators of repressive patriarchy before an audience of 75 million viewers.

This feature documentary is directed by Stefanie Brockhaus and Andreas Wolff. Released in 2018, it has received critical acclaim for its honest, accessible and bold exploration of women in Saudi Arabia.

Catch a screening this May at Cinema Akil, Dubai’s first and permanent independent theatre located in Alserkal Avenue.

Timings: 8 & 9 May: 9pm, 11pm
10 May: 3pm, 9pm
11 May: 3pm

Age: Age restrictions may apply due to the nature and suitability of the film. Age limits will be published on the website and in printed programs
Price: AED 200 (iftar + film screening combo)