Summer is Cinema Akil’s time to shine as the independent cinema hall’s cool darkness is the perfect escape from the heat. The arthouse theatre is bringing back their Italian Film Week for a 3rd edition and this year, they’re honouring one of Italy’s greatest filmmakers – Federico Fellini.
From June 9-15, the single-screen theatre is collaborating with Abu Dhabi’s Italian Cultural Institute to showcase seven feature films from Italy. You can choose from a plethora of genres, from drama and comedy to more sombre biographies, and historical films.
Watch the greatest Italian film ever made
The highlight of the Italian Film Week though is the homage to director Federico Fellini. Fellini is a revered auteur amongst cinephiles because of his contribution to the film movement called Italian Neorealism. This school of movie-making shone a spotlight on stories about the working class.
For the first time ever, movie buffs in the UAE can catch three of his masterpieces on the silver screen. Fellini’s La Strada (1954), Nights of Cabiria (1957), and the iconic 8½ (1963) will reel you into a journey through themes of identity, being human and existential woes that plagued the Italy of the fifties and sixties. 8½ is considered the greatest Italian movie ever made.
Full schedule of movies
Other than vintage classics, contemporary Italian films are being screened at the annual event too. ‘Immensita’, a coming-of-age tale starring Penelope Cruz set in 70s Rome is one. Cannes Film Festival 2022’s Jury Prize winner ‘The Eight Mountains’ is another modern-day movie in the lineup. This family drama will transport you to the bucolic beauty of the Italian Alps. Susanna Nicchiarelli’s ‘Chiara’ is also one of the cinematic gems being screened at this film festival. And film history lovers should watch ‘Italia, Fire and Ashes’ – a biography that deep dives into the history and origins of Italian silent cinema.
AED 50 per person (excluding VAT). To book your tickets and for the full schedule visit www.cinemaakil.com.