Butheina Kazim

Butheina Kazim is the founder of Cinema Akil, the first independent arthouse cinema in the Gulf region. She has led the platform’s growth from a nomadic pop-up to a permanent cultural institution in Dubai, curating global film programs that spotlight alternative and independent cinema.

With a background in media and cultural studies from NYU and early career experience in television and radio at Arab Media Group and Dubai Media Incorporated, Kazim has become a key figure in the region’s film scene. She has contributed to publications including Gulf News, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, and guest-edited the Louis Vuitton Dubai Guide. She serves on international juries, collaborates with global festivals, and is part of networks advocating for diverse cinematic voices.