For 10 days this winter, Cinema Akil is once again dedicating itself to turning to an archive of Palestinian memory, resistance, and joy. Returning for its 12th edition, as a part of this year’s Quoz Art Programme, from January 23 to February 1, 2026, Reel Palestine is bringing together films and filmmakers, art and artists, and the community that they hold together.
Hosted at Cinema Akil, Reel Palestine grew from a grassroots community initiative into one of the region’s loudest storytelling platforms. This year’s edition is its most expansive one yet, featuring 11 feature-length films, 5 short films, 29 screenings, filmmaker Q&As, a masterclass, and the return of the much-loved Reel Palestine Souk.
What you can’t miss:
Once Upon a Time in Gaza- Arab and Tarzan Nasser
Set in Gaza in 2007, the darkly comic drama follows two friends who run a falafel shop that doubles as a front for petty crime, until corruption, violence, and spectacle collide. The film premiered at Cannes and stars Majd Eid, who will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A on opening night.
When: Friday, January 23, 6PM
Palestine 36- Annemarie Jacir
A sweeping historical drama set during the 1936 uprising under the British Mandate, following a young man caught between village life and political awakening. If you’re lucky, you can spot Jacir, one of Palestinian cinema’s most influential voices.
When: Sunday, January 25, 6.45 PM
All That’s Left of You- Cherien Dabis
An Academy Award–shortlisted film that unfolds in the moments before a West Bank protest, tracing generational trauma back to the Nakba of 1948.
When: Sunday, January 25, 7.45 PM
Put Your Soul in Your Hand and Walk- Sepideh Farsi
An intimate documentary built through video calls between the filmmaker and young Gazan photojournalist Fatma Hassona, offering an unfiltered portrait of life under siege.
When: Wednesday, January 28, 9.15 PM
With Hasan in Gaza- Kamal Aljafari
A poetic documentary following nine-year-old Hasan as he navigates the ruins of Gaza, blending memory, childhood, and cinematic imagination.
When: Friday, January 30, 6.00 PM
Habibi Hussein- Alex Bakri
A moving portrait of the last projectionist of Cinema Jenin, reflecting on disappearing cinemas, fading dreams, and the power of film itself.
When: Thursday, January 29, 6.00 PM
One More Show- Mai Saad & Ahmed El Danafi
Following Gaza’s Free Circus troupe, the film captures art as defiance, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
When: Saturday, January 24, 9.15 PM
Who Is Still Alive- Nicolas Wadimoff
Nine Gazans redraw their neighbourhoods in chalk, sharing memories, dreams, and fragments of everyday life, a chilling meditation on survival.
When: Friday, January 20, 9.15 PM
What else to expect: Reel Palestine Souk
As much as Reel Palestine is about what unfolds on screen, it’s also about the stories we swap in the intervals between. Across two weekends, the Reel Palestine Souk turns Alserkal Avenue into a love letter to Palestinian creativity, a bridge between Dubai and the buzzing streets of Nablus. With over 50 Palestinian designers, artisans, and collectives offering fashion, jewellery, ceramics, and homeware, you are walking home with your hands full and pockets empty- all for a good cause.
Buy your tickets here.
Next, check out the art programme at the Quoz Art Fest.