Take Two

Cinema Akil, a name synonymous with cinematic disruption, and the only independent arthouse in the Gulf, has added to its Alserkal Avenue site and opened a new outdoor outpost - ‘CA in 25hours’ at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central.  

Designed by architect Joud Malhas, the venue’s striking red scaffolding, evokes the ambience of a bustling back alley - a homage to Dubai’s perpetual state of construction. This exciting expansion marks a milestone in founder Butheina Kazim’s mission to bring exceptional cinematic and cultural experiences to audiences in the heart of Dubai.  

Q: Why is 25hours Hotels and Cinema Akil a match made in heaven? 

A: ‘CA in 25hours’ is more than just a cinema; it’s a vibrant hub where film and culture converge, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Dubai. Bringing a bespoke version of the Cinema Akil experience to 25hours Hotel is a significant step in our mission to champion the culture of film and the cinematic arts, while exposing international cinema to regional audiences. Located at the main artery of Dubai, sandwiched between the past and the future in Dubai’s story, the space pays tribute to Dubai’s constant evolution, aligning with Cinema Akil’s iterative nature. Brought together by 25hours’ call to ‘Come as You Are’, it’s designed for versatility, fostering collaboration and reinvention with a cohesive identity. Their roots from Berlin, a city centred on celebrating cinema, align perfectly with our mission.” 

Q: What cinematic experiences does Cinema Akil in 25hours have in store? 

A: The line-up for our first season from November 2023 until May 2024 focuses solely on maximizing the cinema activities within the space and speaking to a new audience located in a different part of the city. The focus is on engaging with a different demographic, creating an immersive cinematic experience in a unique outpost. We will also be hosting collaborative takeovers by brands throughout this period. Much of our lineup for Season 1 is a celebration of music films such as Summer of Soul and Singing in the Rain, among others. We aim to develop our music line-up once we feel we have established a consistent tone and core of the space. However, alongside film screenings, we plan to host talks and introductions with community partners. 

Q: And what does the future hold? 

A: Our second season, slated to commence in November 2024 and extend until early May 2025, marks the onset of our first complete season. We will kick off this journey by celebrating the third anniversary of 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central by showcasing a bespoke line-up of films, carefully selected to embody Cinema Akil’s dedication to repertory classics as well as independent, bold, and bombastic films. 

Q: Are films going to be free to watch?  

A: Marking the launch of the new location, all screenings throughout our first season will be accessible to everyone, including hotel guests and the general public. Admission is complimentary, and pre-registration can be made through our website, cinemaakil.com. CA in 25hours will host screenings four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with films typically commencing between 7:30pm and 8:00pm.

Q: What takeovers have you had so far and what’s coming up?  

A: In appreciation of our collaborators involved in this project, we organized an exclusive preview for friends and family before officially opening the space. Following this, during the 2nd edition of the Hong Kong Film Week Asian Cinerama, we hosted a private screening of Made in Hong Kong, 1997 drama by Fruit Chan. Currently, we are planning a takeover by Mini, a longstanding partner of the hotel. Watch this space for more exciting collaborations to come. 

Q: Are films going to be free to watch?  

A: Marking the launch of the new location, all screenings throughout our first season will be accessible to everyone, including hotel guests and the general public. Admission is complimentary, and pre-registration can be made through our website, cinemaakil.com. CA in 25hours will host screenings four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with films typically commencing between 7:30pm and 8:00pm.

Q: What takeovers have you had so far and what’s coming up?  

A: In appreciation of our collaborators involved in this project, we organized an exclusive preview for friends and family before officially opening the space. Following this, during the 2nd edition of the Hong Kong Film Week Asian Cinerama, we hosted a private screening of Made in Hong Kong, 1997 drama by Fruit Chan. Currently, we are planning a takeover by Mini, a longstanding partner of the hotel. Watch this space for more exciting collaborations to come.