Cinema Akil’s Summer of Classics Brings Cult Favourites Back to the Big Screen

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There are films that deserve more than a laptop screen — and this summer, Cinema Akil is giving audiences the opportunity to experience them properly.

The independent cinema at Alserkal Avenue is continuing its Summer of Classics 2026 programme, bringing together influential films from different decades, genres and parts of the world. Running until September 17, the festival explores everything from obsession, isolation and revenge to friendship, vulnerability and human connection.

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Throughout August, visitors can revisit some of cinema’s most recognisable titles, including Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas and Taxi Driver, Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs, Barry Levinson’s Rain Man and Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy.

The programme also moves beyond crime and psychological drama. Wes Anderson fans can return to the carefully composed worlds of Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Grand Budapest Hotel, while Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Killing of a Sacred Deer offers something considerably darker.

Animation is represented too, with screenings of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away — a film that becomes even more immersive when seen on the big screen. The wider festival programme spans genres, eras and continents, combining internationally recognised classics with animated films, documentaries and stories from different cinematic traditions.

Alongside the classics, Cinema Akil is continuing screenings of the new The Odyssey, adding a major contemporary release to its August calendar.

Families also have their own reason to visit. On selected weekends, Cine Mini presents family-friendly films from around the world, ranging from new animation to much-loved titles returning to cinemas. The programme is designed to introduce younger viewers to different cultures, languages and styles of storytelling through a shared cinema experience. August screenings include Flow, Ponyo, Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo and The Tower.

Another date to note is August 23, when Cinema Akil will host Khatar: Sugar and Stars, a free screening followed by a discussion exploring the relationship between cinema and food. The French-language biographical drama runs for 110 minutes and is presented with English subtitles.

Whether you want to discover a classic for the first time or revisit a favourite in a dark cinema with a full audience, Cinema Akil’s August programme offers an excellent excuse to escape the Dubai heat for a few hours.

Summer of Classics 2026
Cinema Akil, Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue
Running until September 17, 2026.

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