Butheina Kazim

Butheina Kazim is the founder of Cinema Akil, the only independent arthouse cinema in the Gulf region curating repertory cinema programs at their flagship home in Alserkal Avenue, at their new outpost in 25 Hours Hotel in Dubai and through the nomadic cinema across the GCC. She was awarded the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture and was named by Fast Company Middle East as one of the Most Creative People in Business in 2023. She is a member of the Steering Committee of the Network of Arab Alternative Screens where Cinema Akil is a member. As a Fulbright Scholar, Kazim obtained an MA in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University and lives and works in Dubai.