A Palestinian Film Program is happening next week in Dubai - Here's why you shouldn't miss it

Don't miss your chance to experience Palestinian stories through film on the big screen, happening next week in Dubai.

Known as 'Permission to Narrate', the program is a curated selection of 6 timeless feature, animated and documentary films running from May 15th to 19th at Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. It challenges the long marginalized voices of Palestine, advocating for a shift in perspective.

The aforementioned showcase is a part of the Reel Palestine capsule program which has been a success in the UAE and is an invocation for narrative reclamation and assertion of a sovereign right to weave one’s own tapestries of history and identity.

Schedule

May 15th

BAB EL SHAMS (GATE OF THE SUN) : 7 PM

Directed by Yousry Nasrallah, Bab El Shams is a saga of the Palestinian people, uprooted from their homes in Galilee and seeking refuge in Lebanese camps with five decades of history, marked by suffering, hope, and unwavering love.

The film was screened 'Out of Competition' at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

Movie poster of Bab El ShamsCinema Akil

May 17th

DIVINE INTERVENTION : 7 PM

The Elia Suleiman directorial follows the story of E.S. who is torn between duty and desire where he cares for his ailing father in Jerusalem while a forbidden love blossoms with a Palestinian woman across the Israeli checkpoint in Ramallah. Stolen moments under the watchful eyes of soldiers define their passionate affair.

The film was awarded a Jury Prize and a FIPRESCI prize at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.

Divine Intervention Theatrical Trailerwww.youtube.com

TOMORROW'S FREEDOM : 9 PM

A feature documentary film following the story of the political leader Marwan Barghouti, serving five life sentences in an Israeli prison. Marwan is often described as the 'Palestinian Nelson Mandela'.

Tomorrow's Freedom: Marwan Bargouthi | Trailer | Available Nowwww.youtube.com

May 18th

THE TOWER: 3 PM

Wardi, an eleven-year-old, has never known a home beyond the bustling confines of the refugee camp. Here, generations of her family have lived since her beloved great-grandfather Sidi, one of the camp's first residents, fled his homeland in 1948.

The Tower / Wardi (2019) - Trailer (English)www.youtube.com

DIVINE INTERVENTION : 5 PM

RANA'S WEDDING : 7 PM

Set against the backdrop of war, Palestinian director Hany Abu-Assad crafts a heart-wrenching story of love and defiance. 17-year-old Rana embarks on a daring quest to reunite with her secret love, Khalil.

Rana's Wedding - Trailerwww.youtube.com

JENIN, JENIN : 9 PM

This film shows the extent to which the prolonged oppression and terror has affected Palestinian inhabitants of Jenin.

Jenin Jenin (Trailer) eng subyoutu.be

May 19th

THE TOWER: 3:30 PM

JENIN, JENIN : 5:30 PM

TOMORROW'S FREEDOM : 7 PM

RANA'S WEDDING : 9:15 PM

The tickets are priced between AED 50-60.

Where to watch?

Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue

These films explore the hardships of life under occupation, showcasing the enduring human spirit through unique perspectives.