This film is presented as part of On Wellbeing Economies, a film series selected by Raja’a Khalid. Khalid’s installation a.quiet.wave, commissioned by The NYUAD Art Gallery, is rooted in her research on color forecasting and consumer trends in the Yoga industry. The proposed film series invites us to view the new economy of spiritual and physical health through a critical lens. The series includes two films: The Cleanse and A Cure for Wellness.


About The Cleanse:

Directed by: Bobby Miller
2016 | Canada, US | English | Comedy, Horror | 15+ | 81 min

Johnny Galecki (TV’s “Big Bang Theory) plays Paul Berger, an unemployed, down and out, heartbroken man searching for happiness. When Paul sees an ad for a spiritual retreat promising to restart your life, he immediately signs up, hoping to cleanse himself and fix his broken life. But after only a few days, he discovers the cleanse is releasing more than just everyday toxins… a lot more. Also starring Anna Friel, plus Oliver Platt and Academy Award ® Winner Anjelica Huston (Best Supporting Actress, Prizzi’s Honor, 1985) as the leaders of the retreat, THE CLEANSE is a darkly humorous, weird, and soulful fantasy that examines the inner demons in all of us.

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About Cinema Akil:

Cinema Akil is an independent cinema platform that brings quality films from across the world to the audiences in the UAE. Showcasing directors and filmmakers across the decades, Cinema Akil aims to create awareness and interest in film and the cinematic arts. Launched in 2014 as a nomadic cinema, Cinema Akil has held over 60 pop-up cinemas attracting over 35,000 attendees in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. In September 2018, Cinema Akil opened its first permanent location in Al Quoz, Dubai making it the GCC’s first arthouse cinema. Cinema Akil’s flagship home is brought to you in partnership with Alserkal Avenue. Cinema Akil is a member of the Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS) which includes members from the MENA region such as Metropolis in Beirut, Zawya in Cairo and Cinematheque du Tangier in Morocco. Follow us into the dark.

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