Post by : Badri Ariffin

Bait Elowal, nestled in the Heart of Sharjah, has launched an exclusive cultural initiative known as ‘Cinema and Dining’ in partnership with Cinema Akil, backed by the Xposure International Photography Festival. This initiative celebrates the art of storytelling through visuals and cuisine.

Scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays from January 16 to 31, this program features selected film screenings paired with specially crafted dining experiences. Set within the serene courtyard of Bait Elowal’s meticulously restored heritage house, the event fosters an intimate environment where food, culture, and cinema harmoniously unite.

Each night is envisioned as a holistic sensory experience, enabling guests to delve into narratives through memories, locations, and thoughtfully chosen films, complemented by meals inspired by the screenings' themes.

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the visionary behind Bait Elowal, stated that this project aligns with Sharjah’s commitment to presenting heritage through innovative experiences. She emphasized that the Cinema and Dining concept nurtures a meaningful dialogue between visual arts and gastronomy, facilitating a profound cultural exchange that merges imagery, flavors, and context.

Her Excellency Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, spoke on the significance of the partnership with Xposure. She noted that this program enriches the narrative of visual storytelling by mingling cinema with culinary elements, promoting cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

The initiative encourages audiences to take a pause, reflect, and engage with cinema as Cinema Akil showcases films that merge local stories with international viewpoints. Each dining session is meticulously curated to align with the mood and themes of the films, crafting a fluid transition from the first frame to the last bite.

Butheina Kazim, founder of Cinema Akil, expressed that both cinema and cuisine possess the unique ability to evoke emotion and memory. She conveyed her excitement about returning to Sharjah to partner with Bait Elowal and Xposure, merging storytelling, heritage, and hospitality into a collective cultural experience.

Film Screening Schedule

• January 16 – Homework (Abbas Kiarostami)

• January 17 – Tale of the Three Jewels (Michel Khleifi)

• January 23 – A Separation (Asghar Farhadi)

• January 24 – Taste of Cherry (Abbas Kiarostami)

• January 30 – The Experience (Abbas Kiarostami)

• January 31 – Capernaum (Nadine Labaki)

Bait Elowal stands as a heritage dining landmark in the Heart of Sharjah, envisioned by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. Occupying a renovated building over a century old, it overlooks Sharjah Creek and honors Emirati traditions through food, architectural elegance, and storytelling. Renovated in 2024, the venue showcases a traditional courtyard adorned with Moroccan Zellige tiles and presents a menu reminiscent of the Silk Road, highlighting flavors drawn from Morocco, Persia, India, and Turkey, all crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

#Global News