Black Box Cinema x Public Matter

Since 2014, Black Box Cinema (founded and managed by Abu Dhabi-born actor and director Nawaf Al Janahi) has presented Arab-language short films since 2014. Screenings are at the Biennial Hub on Abu Dhabi Beach. In this Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial programme:

Big Day: dir Ahmed Samir (2022, Egypt: 15 mins) A wedding is turned upside down after rumours spread that the groom is planning to run away.

Long Trip: dir Ali Kadhum (2021, Belgium, Iraq: 13 mins) After the death of his father, Dries must make a fundamental decision to either cremate the body or return it for a traditional burial in his birth country.

Mid-Way: dir Rola Shamas (2022, Lebanon: 10 mins) The trains have arrived. But, in the midst of this rush to nowhere, are we listening to birds To rivers? To ourselves?

Sabeel: dir Khalid Al Mahmood (2010, UAE: 20 mins) Two small boys live in the mountains of the UAE. Spending their days tending their vegetables and then selling produce on the road, they have to earn enough money to buy medicine for their sick grandmother.

Unveiling Selma: dir Mariam Al Serkal and Maaria Sayed (2022, UAE: 15 min) Between domestic chores, a neglectful husband, and an innocent daughter, 35-year-old Selma decides to free herself and rediscover her womanhood.