Butheina Kazim: The Woman Bringing Independent Cinema to the Gulf

Butheina Kazim has carved out a unique niche in Dubai’s cultural scene. As the founder of Cinema Akil, the first art house cinema in Dubai and the Gulf region, Kazim has transformed the city’s film culture. Her passion for cinema and creativity has not only given a platform to independent films but also challenged the status quo of entertainment in the region. With a background in TV, radio, and film production, she is a driving force behind the UAE’s growing arts scene, and her contributions continue to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and cultural enthusiasts.

Butheina Kazim is a name synonymous with innovation in the UAE’s cultural and cinematic landscape. As the founder of Cinema Akil, the first and only arthouse cinema in Dubai and the Gulf region, she has brought independent cinema to the forefront in a region where mainstream films dominate the screens. Kazim’s journey began in New York, where she studied media and communications. Armed with this knowledge, she returned to the UAE, eager to contribute to the cultural fabric of her homeland. Before founding Cinema Akil, Kazim worked in various media roles across TV and radio in the UAE, gaining valuable insights into the industry.

In 2014, Kazim took a bold step by launching Cinema Akil as a pop-up cinema, screening films in unconventional spaces across Dubai. The concept quickly gained traction, and in 2018, Cinema Akil found a permanent home in Alserkal Avenue, a hub for arts and culture in Dubai. This move cemented Kazim’s status as a trailblazer in the industry, providing a dedicated space for audiences to experience films outside the mainstream Hollywood fare. Cinema Akil has since become a cultural landmark, showcasing independent, foreign, and art house films that would otherwise not have a platform in the region. The cinema also hosts film festivals, retrospectives, and special screenings that highlight the diversity of global cinema. Kazim’s vision for Cinema Akil was to create a space where films could be appreciated as an art form, sparking conversations and fostering a sense of community among film enthusiasts.

Butheina Kazim’s influence extends beyond Cinema Akil. She has curated numerous film pop-ups worldwide, served as a juror at international film festivals, and produced the award-winning short documentary Letters to Palestine in 2010. Her contributions to the arts have earned her several accolades, and she continues to be a prominent figure in Dubai’s cultural scene. One of the things that set Kazim apart is her deep connection to Dubai’s evolving identity. While she celebrates the city’s rapid development, she is also passionate about preserving its cultural heritage. In interviews, she often speaks about the juxtaposition of the old and new in Dubai, a theme that resonates in her work at Cinema Akil. By bringing diverse films to Dubai, Kazim ensures that the city remains a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and stories.

Butheina Kazim’s journey with Cinema Akil is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and resilience. In a region where entertainment is often seen through the lens of commercial success, Kazim has shown that there is a space for independent cinema, and it can thrive. Her work continues to inspire others to think outside the box and contribute to the cultural tapestry of the UAE.

As Kazim looks to the future, she remains committed to her vision of making Cinema Akil a space for discovery, dialogue, and connection. Her story is a reminder that with determination and a clear vision, one can shape not just a career, but an entire industry.