Cinema Akil will celebrate Hong Kong’s cinematic artistry.

Lights, camera, films. Cinema Akil, the independent cinema, has announced the return of its Hong Kong Film Gala. The Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) and the region’s only independent arthouse cinema will present the fifth edition of the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation (HKFGP). The event takes place in Dubai from 8 to 12 November, at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue and 25hours Hotel Dubai.

The film festival will platform seven films ranging from emotional dramas and thrillers to educational documentaries and reinvented classics. The selection represents the artistic depth of the Hong Kong film industry. This year’s edition will continue its goal to build creative connections between Hong Kong and the UAE through film. 

After the ceremony, the festival will open with Dickson Leung’s Good Game (2025). This is a tale about friendship and rivalry in the high-stakes world of e-sports. John Woo’s 1991 romantic and action classic Once a Thief will be screened.

Chan Tai Lee’s Fight for Tomorrow (2025) is an action film that keeps up the tradition of Hong Kong’s fight movies. The plot follows a father and son whose relationship flourishes through the art of boxing. The film explores themes of perseverance and connection amid the challenges faced in and out of the ring.

Behind the Shadows (2025) by Chou Man-Yu and Jonathan Li is a crime story. The film follows a private detective as he investigates his wife. Four Trails (2024) by Robin Lee explores the endurance and emotions of Hong Kong’s trail runners. The film highlights the physical challenge and landscapes that narrate these ultramarathons. Closing the festival is Reborn (2025) by Danny Pang. The story is an exploration of healing through grief, fusing the power of the supernatural. 

Butheina Kazim, Founder of Cinema Akil, said: “Reaching Volume 5 is a milestone that speaks to the lasting resonance of this collaboration. The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation has grown into one of our most cherished annual programs, bridging communities through the magic of cinema. Each edition brings new stories, fresh perspectives, and the same unmistakable passion for film that continues to inspire audiences across the region.”

Check in with FACT for the best things to do in Dubai.

GO: Visit www.cinemaakil.com for more information.