Cinema ElHoush

Jan 04, 2022 - Mar 10, 2022

The beautiful outdoor set-up of Cinema ElHoush offered the chance to enjoy a selection of world-class movies from Saudi, Arab and International directors.

The experience is currently not available and will return back to AlUla soon.  Follow @AlUlaMoments on Social to be the first one to know when this experience is back.
 

Location

Cinema ElHoush was a beautiful outdoor cinema, a hub for arts and cultural exchange in AlJadidah. Open five nights a week, the cinema screened arthouse films and world-class movies. Found within the cinema was a café and lounge offering delicious snacks and drinks, from snuggly sahlab and hot chocolate to dukkah-citrus popcorn and more. Cinema goers grabbed local coffee with friends before their movies and participated in engaging discussions with directors.

Each week a new theme was announced, featuring movies from that genre. Weekly themes included: Cannes & Venice Film Festival, Saudi movies, Classical movies, Contemporary Arab movies, Afghan movies, Documentaries and more. See what movies were offered at this incredible theatre below!

Movies Shown in January

The Worst Person in the World 5 January

Julie is turning thirty and her life is an existential mess. Several of her talents have gone to waste and her older boyfriend Aksel, a successful graphic novelist is pushing her to settle down. One night, she gatecrashes a party and meets the young and charming Eivind. Before long, she has broken up with Aksel and thrown herself into yet another new relationship, hoping for a new perspective on her life. She will come to realize that some life choices are already behind her.

Memoria 6 January

Ever since being startled by a loud 'bang' at daybreak, Jessica is unable to sleep. In Bogotá to visit her sister, she befriends Agnes, an archaeologist studying human remains discovered within a tunnel under construction. Jessica travels to see Agnes at the excavation site. In a small town nearby, she encounters a fish scaler, Hernan. They share memories by the river. As the day comes to a close, Jessica is awakened to a sense of clarity.

Drive My Car 7 January

Adapted from Haruki Murakami’s short story, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car is a haunting road movie travelling a path of love, loss, acceptance, and peace. Winner of the Best Screenplay Award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.

Annette 8 January

Los Angeles, today. Henry is a stand-up comedian with a fierce sense of humor who falls in love with Ann, a world-renowned opera singer. Under the spotlight, they form a passionate and glamorous couple. With the birth of their first child Annette, a mysterious little girl with an exceptional destiny, their lives are turned upside down. A film by visionary director Leos Carax, story & music by Ron & Russell Mael of Sparks. This original musical is a journey of love, passion & fame.

Drive My Car 11 January

Adapted from Haruki Murakami’s short story, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car is a haunting road movie travelling a path of love, loss, acceptance, and peace. Winner of the Best Screenplay Award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.

The Worst Person in the World 12 January

Julie is turning thirty and her life is an existential mess. Several of her talents have gone to waste and her older boyfriend Aksel, a successful graphic novelist is pushing her to settle down. One night, she gatecrashes a party and meets the young and charming Eivind. Before long, she has broken up with Aksel and thrown herself into yet another new relationship, hoping for a new perspective on her life. She will come to realize that some life choices are already behind her.

Annette 13 January

Los Angeles, today. Henry is a stand-up comedian with a fierce sense of humor who falls in love with Ann, a world-renowned opera singer. Under the spotlight, they form a passionate and glamorous couple. With the birth of their first child Annette, a mysterious little girl with an exceptional destiny, their lives are turned upside down. A film by visionary director Leos Carax, story & music by Ron & Russell Mael of Sparks. This original musical is a journey of love, passion & fame.

Memoria 14 January

Ever since being startled by a loud 'bang' at daybreak, Jessica is unable to sleep. In Bogotá to visit her sister, she befriends Agnes, an archaeologist studying human remains discovered within a tunnel under construction. Jessica travels to see Agnes at the excavation site. In a small town nearby, she encounters a fish scaler, Hernan. They share memories by the river. As the day comes to a close, Jessica is awakened to a sense of clarity.

Memoria 15 January

Ever since being startled by a loud 'bang' at daybreak, Jessica is unable to sleep. In Bogotá to visit her sister, she befriends Agnes, an archaeologist studying human remains discovered within a tunnel under construction. Jessica travels to see Agnes at the excavation site. In a small town nearby, she encounters a fish scaler, Hernan. They share memories by the river. As the day comes to a close, Jessica is awakened to a sense of clarity.

Had Al Tar (The Tambour of Retribution) 18 January

In an impoverished neighborhood, the son of a swordsman falls in love with the daughter of a wedding singer - a taboo relationship within their traditional society. The two come from polar opposite backgrounds. Their story then boils down to which one of them will sacrifice their traditional family roles for the other.

40 Years and One Night 19 January

A family of five siblings and all their children are gathered at the family house to celebrate the night of Eid Al-Fitr. Suddenly, the phone rings. The family is informed that their father got into an accident. They rush to the hospital, where they find him in good shape, only to discover he is hiding a secret. They begin to think their father is having an affair with someone behind their mother’s back. Shock, denial and chaos ensue.

Carnaval City 20 January

Accompanied by Salma, Masoud decides to go on a long journey without aim or will to return! His car breaks down in the desert. He decides to fix it in the garage of Sufyan, who mysteriously disappears with the car. Masoud then chases his car, leaving Salma alone in the desert. Salma is then forced to discover the barren lands on her own.

Amra and the Second Marriage 21 January

Amra, a 44 year old housewife, discovers that her retiring husband is planning to marry a younger second wife. As she attempts to make sense out of this news, she is pushed towards making a hefty compromise.

CUE 22 January

Saudi DJs like Baloo, Vinyl Mode and Dish Dash have operated in the shadows for most of their lives, throwing illegal house parties and producing bold electronic music that is inspired by the global scene. In 2017, their world began to change as a series of social reforms were launched in the country, ushering a new era of creativity. In this film, they candidly tell their stories, with unprecedented access, revealing how they managed to move forward with their work in a conservative society with their new status as celebrated musical pioneers.

40 Years and One Night 25 January

A family of five siblings and all their children are gathered at the family house to celebrate the night of Eid Al-Fitr. Suddenly, the phone rings. The family is informed that their father got into an accident. They rush to the hospital, where they find him in good shape, only to discover he is hiding a secret. They begin to think their father is having an affair with someone behind their mother’s back. Shock, denial and chaos ensue.

CUE 26 January

Saudi DJs like Baloo, Vinyl Mode and Dish Dash have operated in the shadows for most of their lives, throwing illegal house parties and producing bold electronic music that is inspired by the global scene. In 2017, their world began to change as a series of social reforms were launched in the country, ushering a new era of creativity. In this film, they candidly tell their stories, with unprecedented access, revealing how they managed to move forward with their work in a conservative society with their new status as celebrated musical pioneers.

Carnaval City 27 January

Accompanied by Salma, Masoud decides to go on a long journey without aim or will to return! His car breaks down in the desert. He decides to fix it in the garage of Sufyan, who mysteriously disappears with the car. Masoud then chases his car, leaving Salma alone in the desert. Salma is then forced to discover the barren lands on her own.

Had Al Tar (The Tambour of Retribution) 28 January

In an impoverished neighborhood, the son of a swordsman falls in love with the daughter of a wedding singer - a taboo relationship within their traditional society. The two come from polar opposite backgrounds. Their story then boils down to which one of them will sacrifice their traditional family roles for the other.

Amra and the Second Marriage 29 January

Amra, a 44 year old housewife, discovers that her retiring husband is planning to marry a younger second wife. As she attempts to make sense out of this news, she is pushed towards making a hefty compromise.

Movies Shown in February

La Dolce Vita 1 February

The biggest hit from the most popular Italian filmmaker of all time, La dolce vita rocketed Federico Fellini to international mainstream success—ironically, by offering a damning critique of the culture of stardom.

Sweet Day...Bitter Day 2 February

This film is one of the most renowned films of Egypt’s new realism cinema, and most likely Khairy Beshara’s best film. It is an autobiographical film, based on the director’s souvenirs growing up in the famous Chabra Street. The narrative is told through Aisha, a widower with 5 children.

Persona 3 February

Famed stage stress Elisabeth Vogler suffers a moment of blankness during a performance and the next day lapses into total silence. Advised by her doctor to take time off to recover from what appears to be an emotional breakdown, Elisabeth goes to a beach house on the Baltic Sea with only Anna, a nurse, as company. Over the next several weeks, as Anna struggles to reach her mute patient, the two women find themselves experiencing a strange emotional convergence. The first official screening of an Ingmar Bergman film in Saudi Arabia.

Les 400 coups 4 February

Francois Truffaut's "The 400 Blows" (Les 400 coups) is one of the most intensely touching stories ever made about a young adolescent. Inspired by Truffaut's own early life, it shows a resourceful boy growing up in Paris and apparently dashing headlong into a life of crime. Adults see him as a troublemaker. But for young Parisian boy Antoine Doinel , life is one difficult situation after another. Cinema El Housh is proud to present one of the most powerful films of French cinema and the director, François Truffaut, who has an international impact on many filmmakers through the movement he created and known as the new wave (Nouvelle vague).

Sweet Day...Bitter Day 5 February

This film is one of the most renowned films of Egypt’s new realism cinema, and most likely Khairy Beshara’s best film. It is an autobiographical film, based on the director’s souvenirs growing up in the famous Chabra Street. The narrative is told through Aisha, a widower with 5 children.

Feathers 8 February

When a magic trick goes awry at a children’s birthday party, the authoritative father of the family turns into a chicken. An avalanche of coincidental absurdities befalls everyone; the mother, whose mundane life was dedicated to her husband and children, is now urged to come to the fore and take care of her family. While moving heaven and earth to bring her husband back and secure their survival, she goes through a total transformation. The film won the Grand Prize at Cannes International Critics Week 2021.

Gaza Mon Amour 9 February

Gaza, today. Sixty-year-old fisherman Issa is secretly in love with Siham, a woman who works as a dressmaker at the market. Finally determined to propose, he discovers an ancient statue of Apollo in his fishing net, which he decides to hide at home. When Hamas discovers the existence of this mysterious treasure, Issa begins to face problems. Will he succeed in declaring his love to Siham?

Feathers 10 February

When a magic trick goes awry at a children’s birthday party, the authoritative father of the family turns into a chicken. An avalanche of coincidental absurdities befalls everyone; the mother, whose mundane life was dedicated to her husband and children, is now urged to come to the fore and take care of her family. While moving heaven and earth to bring her husband back and secure their survival, she goes through a total transformation. The film won the Grand Prize at Cannes International Critics Week 2021.

Casablanca Beats 11 February

Former rapper Anas takes a job at a cultural center in a working-class neighborhood, in Casablanca. Encouraged by their new teacher, his students will try to free themselves from the weight of restrictive traditions, in order to live their passions and express themselves through hip-hop.

Costa Brava, Lebanon 12 February

In Costa Brava, Lebanon, the free-spirited Badri family escapes the overwhelming pollution and social unrest of Beirut, seeking refuge in a utopic mountain home they built for themselves. Unexpectedly, an illegal garbage landfill begins construction right next door. With it comes the very trash and corruption they were trying to escape. As the landfill rises, so do family tensions. The Badris are left with two choices: to either stay or leave their idyllic home, to then face the reality they fled, hoping to stay true to their ideals.

Gaza Mon Amour 15 February

Gaza, today. Sixty-year-old fisherman Issa is secretly in love with Siham, a woman who works as a dressmaker at the market. Finally determined to propose, he discovers an ancient statue of Apollo in his fishing net, which he decides to hide at home. When Hamas discovers the existence of this mysterious treasure, Issa begins to face problems. Will he succeed in declaring his love to Siham?

Costa Brava, Lebanon 16 February

In Costa Brava, Lebanon, the free-spirited Badri family escapes the overwhelming pollution and social unrest of Beirut, seeking refuge in a utopic mountain home they built for themselves. Unexpectedly, an illegal garbage landfill begins construction right next door. With it comes the very trash and corruption they were trying to escape. As the landfill rises, so do family tensions. The Badris are left with two choices: to either stay or leave their idyllic home, to then face the reality they fled, hoping to stay true to their ideals.

Casablanca Beats 17 February

Former rapper Anas takes a job at a cultural center in a working-class neighborhood, in Casablanca. Encouraged by their new teacher, his students will try to free themselves from the weight of restrictive traditions, in order to live their passions and express themselves through hip-hop.

Gaza Mon Amour 18 February

Gaza, today. Sixty-year-old fisherman Issa is secretly in love with Siham, a woman who works as a dressmaker at the market. Finally determined to propose, he discovers an ancient statue of Apollo in his fishing net, which he decides to hide at home. When Hamas discovers the existence of this mysterious treasure, Issa begins to face problems. Will he succeed in declaring his love to Siham?

Feathers 19 February

When a magic trick goes awry at a children’s birthday party, the authoritative father of the family turns into a chicken. An avalanche of coincidental absurdities befalls everyone; the mother, whose mundane life was dedicated to her husband and children, is now urged to come to the fore and take care of her family. While moving heaven and earth to bring her husband back and secure their survival, she goes through a total transformation. The film won the Grand Prize at Cannes International Critics Week 2021.

Hava, Maryam, Ayesha 22 February

Three Afghan women, who occupy different positions in Kabul’s social ladder each, face a big challenge. The fiction debut of documentarian Sahraa Karimi is an affecting, humanistic portrait of the intricacies of gender, culture and class, as well as the ways in which Afghan women are fighting to take back their destinies.

The Forbidden Reel 23 February

This fascinating testament to a relatively unknown creative wellspring includes the incredible story of the Taliban’s efforts to burn the entirety of the country’s “un-Islamic” film history, stashed in original reels at the archives of Afghan Film, a state-sponsored national film body. Rescued from destruction, today these films are being digitized for preservation and distribution. Skilfully weaving together film clips, interviews with Afghan directors and visits to the archives, this complex look at Afghan cinema allows for a better understanding of the country’s troubled past.

The Orphanage 24 February

A historic drama with musical Bollywood scenes, the film is a portrait of Kabul in the early 90s when Soviet values ruled the country. Women can wear miniskirts, children can go to school and people can go to the cinema, concerts as well as universities. Life in Afghanistan is similar to life in the Western world.

Bigger Than Us 25 February

For six years, 18-year-old Melati has been fighting the plastic pollution that is ravaging her country, Indonesia. Like her, a generation is rising up to fix the world. Everywhere, teenagers and young adults are fighting for human rights, climate, freedom of expression, social justice, access to food and education.

Mariner of the Mountains 26 February

In 2019, filmmaker Karim Aïnouz decides to cross the Mediterranean by boat to embark on his first journey to Algeria, high up in the Atlas Mountains in Kabylia. The film interweaves the present, past and future. An enthralling, inventive and deeply moving personal essay.

Movies Shown in March

From Cairo 1 March

Heba is a photojournalist, artist and single mother. She struggles to make ends meet by working as a photojournalist. In a therapeutic exchange, Heba meets Aya, who is a young woman who lost her parents at a young age and tried to conform to expectations by getting veiled.

Mariner of the Mountains 2 March

In 2019, filmmaker Karim Aïnouz decides to cross the Mediterranean by boat to embark on his first journey to Algeria, high up in the Atlas Mountains in Kabylia. The film interweaves the present, past and future. An enthralling, inventive and deeply moving personal essay.

Bigger Than Us 3 March

For six years, 18-year-old Melati has been fighting the plastic pollution that is ravaging her country, Indonesia. Like her, a generation is rising up to fix the world. Everywhere, teenagers and young adults are fighting for human rights, climate, freedom of expression, social justice, access to food and education.

Chunking Express (1994) 5 March

Every day, Cop 223 buys a can of pineapple with an expiry date of May 1, symbolizing the day he'll get over his lost love. Cop 663 is distraught with heartbreak over a breakup. But when his ex drops a spare set of his keys at a local cafe, a waitress lets herself into his apartment and spruces up his life.

As Tears Go By (1988) 8 March

In the streets of Hong Kong, two brothers, Wah and Fly, try to make a living working for the mob. While Wah has earned the trust of his superiors, Fly can be a loose cannon sometimes, picking fights and losing his temper, and only his brother can calm him down. Fly is in trouble again after failing to pay back a large sum of money he lost playing snooker, and even though his brother can calm down Tony, a fellow gang member, there is still a lot of bad blood between Fly and the rest of the gang.

Fallen Angels (1995) 9 March

The story revolves around three main characters. The first of which is Wong Chi-ming, a hitman who works for different clients and does not care much for the consequences of his bloody deeds. The second storyline is that of Ho Chi-mo, whose family originally comes from Taiwan. He has had frequent trouble with the authorities during his nightly escapades, he runs into a girl named Charlie, who has been trying to get back with her ex-boyfriend Johnny. As he helps her find the mysterious Blondie, who is apparently Johnny’s new flame, he falls in love with Charlie, who is thankful for his company but nothing more.

In the Mood for Love (2000) 10 March

In 1962, journalist Chow Mo-Wan and his wife move into a Hong Kong apartment, but Chow's spouse is often away on business. Before long, the lonely Chow makes the acquaintance of the alluring Su Li-zhen, whose own significant other also seems preoccupied with work. As the two friends realize their respective partners are cheating on them, they begin to fall for one another; however, neither wants to stoop to the level of the unfaithful spouses.

Plan Your Trip To AlUla

Flying to AlUla

Saudia Airlines and flydubai fly into and out of AlUla International Airport (ULH). The newly renovated airport is located just 35 km (a 30-minute drive) from the city centre.

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What to Do

Unlock the secrets of this open-air museum, where an exciting collection of immersive experiences and activities bring its stories to life.

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Where to Eat

In AlUla there are many dining options to replenish your energy after a day of exploring. Casual to fine dining options are available.

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Where to Stay

Looking for a place to rest after a long day’s adventure? From high-end luxury to sustainable eco-resorts, AlUla offers a range of accommodation options.

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