Evolution of Arab Independent Cinema
Cinema Akil's Butheina Kazim, the co-founder of the UAE's only independent cinema, discusses the evolving language of cinema in the region and how contemporary Arab films are documenting the incredible evolution of society.
Cinema has the power to speak a universal language, offering insights into diverse cultures and societies. In the Arab world, where Western interpretations have long shaped perceptions, Arab filmmakers are now reclaiming the narrative through films that depict their lived realities. Butheina Kazim, the co-founder of Cinema Akil, the UAE's only independent cinema, is playing a pivotal role in supporting and showcasing these films.
**Formative Years and Cinema Akil's Inception:**
Butheina Kazim, a half-Bahraini and half-Emirati individual, grew up near the Iranian Hospital in Satwa. After spending years in Canada for education and work, she returned to Dubai during its expansion phase in the early 2000s. Kazim worked on a project with the Arab Media Group, focusing on putting culture on television. This experience exposed her to the acquisition and distribution process, leading her to acquire films like Annemarie Jacir's "Salt of this Sea." Although the television channel project never materialized, Kazim continued her efforts, showcasing films at venues like Pavilion. The idea for Cinema Akil took root upon her return from a Fulbright scholarship in the US in 2013. Kazim aimed to create a space for arthouse cinema in Dubai's evolving cultural landscape, particularly at Alserkal Avenue.
**Cinema Akil at 25Hours Hotel:**
The recent opening of Cinema Akil's outpost at 25Hours Hotel near the World Trade Centre reflects a winter activation. Even when not active as a cinema, the space serves as a permanent public space, fostering relationships within the community. The 72-seater cinema focuses on arts, fashion, and regional cinema, offering an intimate setting for audiences.
**Cultural Significance of 25Hours Hotel:**
The location at 25Hours Hotel holds cultural significance as it acts as a bridge between old and new Dubai. The hotel, originally from Berlin, shares a similar philosophy with Cinema Akil regarding creativity and community celebration. By integrating cinema into the hotel setting, Kazim envisions creating lasting memories and emotional bonds for visitors.
**Contemporary Independent Cinema and Arab Societal Evolution:**
Contemporary independent cinema serves as an inflection point and reflection of societal changes. Arab filmmakers are challenging Western stereotypes, offering authentic perspectives on the region's complexities. Kazim emphasizes the importance of letting regional filmmakers tell their stories truthfully, free from external representations. She sees arthouse cinema as departing from commercial viability and focusing on the human experience.
**Impact of Film Festivals on Local Cinema:**
The absence of major film festivals, such as the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), has left a void in the regional cinema ecosystem. Kazim mourns the loss of DIFF and its role in bringing international attention to films, fostering collaboration, and providing a platform for regional stories. She acknowledges the positive trajectory of the Red Sea Film Festival but stresses the need for diverse festivals to avoid monopolization and bidding wars detrimental to filmmakers.
**Film Studies and Film Criticism in the Region:**
Kazim highlights the importance of film studies in the region and the need for an intellectual and critical approach. While Dubai has the infrastructure, she notes a lack of intellectual engagement. Cinema Akil contributes by showcasing films from around the world, but she sees a need for a comprehensive film studies approach involving multiple layers of the ecosystem.
**Role of Film Criticism in Mapping Evolution:**
The celebration of film releases should be accompanied by critical engagement to understand films' reflections of societal hopes, desires, and ambitions. Kazim emphasizes the historical impact of film criticism and the need to cultivate demand for critical analyses in the region.
**Subversive Themes in Independent Cinema:**
Kazim rejects the notion that local independent films struggle with subversive themes. She believes that challenges are not unique to the region and encourages filmmakers to negotiate artistic expressions. Arthouse cinema, in her view, serves as a platform for exploring faults, beauty, and nuances within society.
**Cinema's Role in Immortalizing Conflicts:**
While acknowledging cinema's role in reflecting historical moments and emotions, Kazim emphasizes that it is not cinema's role to immortalize conflicts. However, she notes the falsity around the complexity of certain issues, such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Kazim mentions Reel Palestine, the Palestine Film Festival, as a platform to showcase Palestinian films and counter dehumanization.
In conclusion, Butheina Kazim's efforts through Cinema Akil contribute to the revitalization of independent cinema in the UAE, allowing regional filmmakers to tell their stories authentically and challenge existing narratives. The outpost at 25Hours Hotel exemplifies the integration of cinema into communal spaces, fostering cultural celebration and community engagement.
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By- Sahiba Suri
By: Sahiba Suri
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