The Culturist Film Club: Additional Screening in October

An updated list of screenings I’ve organised this month as The Culturist Film Club.

I will host a screening on Friday, October 2 at Alserkal Arts Foundation, which got finalised and announced earlier today, in addition to the one on Sunday, October 4 at Alliance Française that I shared with you earlier this week.

The screening on October 2 was originally planned for mid October, but the dates got changed last minute, hence a second email from me within one week. I promise I’m not trying to spam you.

You will also find below information and links to a few new screenings I found out about recently that may interest you, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

October 2

AN INCOMPLETE CALENDAR
Sanaz Sohrabi, 2026, 77 min

A little-known 1980 vinyl is the starting point of this film. “Rhymes and Songs for OPEC” is a special record by the Central University of Venezuela’s concert choir to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Layered with songs and rarely seen archives, the film reframes oil not as commodity but as a political leverage for liberation struggles and Pan-Arab solidarity between 1960-1970.

“An exhaustive and artistically fulfilling, essayistic documentary about a region’s struggle for autonomy and solidarity.” — Marc van de Klashorst, International Cinephile Society

The screening will be followed by a discussion with Sanaz Sohrabi who will join us online.

Date and time: Friday, October 2 at 7:30 pm
Location: Alserkal Arts Foundation, Project Space, Alserkal Avenue (Warehouse 51), Dubai
Ticket: Free to attend, but registration is required before attending.
Please register here.

You can read more and watch the trailer here.

October 4

LA CÉRÉMONIE
Claude Chabrol, 1995, 112 min
French with English subtitles

A psychological thriller, filled with tension and mystery, which delves into the complex interplay of social classes and the devastating consequences of well-kept secrets. With its gripping plot and remarkable performances, this iconic film has left a lasting mark on the cinematic landscape. Its influence transcends borders, shaping contemporary masterpieces like Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite.

Date and time: Sunday, October 4 at 3:00 pm
Location: Alliance Française, Dubai
Ticket: AED 35, book your ticket here.
(I can add a few names on the guest list. If you’re interested, please reply to this email with GUEST LIST in the subject line.)

You can read more and watch the trailer here.

Other screenings that may interest you:

Korean Film Week
ROXY Cinemas, Dubai (City Walk, Dubai Hills, Al Khawaneej Walk)
September 25 - October 4

I’ve only seen two of the four films they’re showing, EXHUMA (Jang Jae-hyun, 2024) and NO OTHER CHOICE (Park Chan-wook, 2025) and recommend watching them.
Details here: www.theroxycinemas.com/en/promotions/korean-movie-week

Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival
The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi
October 9 - 11

My three recommendations: MANTHAN (Shyam Benegal, 1976), and two films by Sara Dosa FIRE OF LOVE (2022), TIME AND WATER (2026).
Details here: www.alsidrfestival.com

Cineolio’s Cinenights
Various Dates and Venues
Details here: www.cineolio.com/cinenights

Hope to see you at one of these screenings, and please feel free to share this email with anyone you know that will be interested in attending any of the above.

Till next time…