Bait Elowal Unveils Cinema and Culinary Experience in Sharjah

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Bait Elowal, situated in the vibrant Heart of Sharjah, has unveiled an innovative ‘Cinema and Dining’ cultural concept in partnership with Cinema Akil, with the support of the Xposure International Photography Festival, emphasizing visual storytelling through both film and food.

This initiative is set to take place every Friday and Saturday from January 16 to 31, featuring carefully selected film screenings complemented by specially crafted dining experiences. Held in the courtyard of Bait Elowal’s beautifully restored heritage house, the event fosters an inviting ambiance where cinema, culture, and gastronomy converge.

Each evening offers a complete sensory odyssey, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in storytelling through place, memory, and expertly chosen films while savoring meals inspired by the themes and origins of the featured screenings.

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the visionary behind Bait Elowal, stated that this initiative embodies Sharjah’s commitment to sharing its heritage through contemporary experiences. She emphasized that the Cinema and Dining format forges a significant link between visual culture and gastronomy, offering an enriching cultural exchange that intertwines imagery, taste, and a sense of place.

Her Excellency Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, underscored the significance of the partnership with Xposure, noting that the program broadens the language of visual storytelling by fusing cinema with culinary arts while fostering cultural dialogue and understanding across cultures.

This program invites audiences to take a moment to slow down, reflect, and connect as Cinema Akil showcases films that delve into regional stories alongside broader global perspectives. Each dining experience is artfully curated to resonate with the mood, themes, and cultural context of the films, culminating in a fluid journey from the opening scene to the last dish.

Butheina Kazim, founder of Cinema Akil, expressed the ability of both cinema and food to evoke memories and emotions. She conveyed her enthusiasm for returning to Sharjah to collaborate with Bait Elowal and Xposure, merging storytelling, heritage, and hospitality in a united 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 serves as a heritage dining venue in the Heart of Sharjah, conceived by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. Located in a historic, over-century-old building with views of Sharjah Creek, it honors Emirati culture through food, architecture, and storytelling. Having undergone renovation in 2024, this venue features a traditional courtyard with Moroccan Zellige tiles and offers a menu inspired by the Silk Road, showcasing flavors from Morocco, Persia, India, and Turkey with locally sourced ingredients.