The five-day programme will bring international screenings
As the Abu Dhabi summer heat starts settling in properly, indoor plans are quickly becoming everyone’s favourite kind of plans.
With that in mind, Cannes Film Nights at Louvre Abu Dhabi might be one of the better ways to escape the temperature for a few hours.
From 12 to 16 May, the auditorium in the museum turns into a five-night cinema space dedicated to international storytelling, award-winning films, and globally celebrated directors.
Organised in collaboration with the Institut français in the United Arab Emirates, the programme coincides with the opening week of the Cannes Film Festival in France.
The programme brings a small piece of the festival atmosphere to Abu Dhabi through a curated selection of films pulled from Cannes-associated programming and archives.
Rather than focusing on blockbuster releases, the line-up leans into emotionally driven storytelling, visually distinctive filmmaking, and films that have built strong reputations through international festivals and critical acclaim.
The screenings begin with The Count of Monte Cristo, a modern adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic story of betrayal, imprisonment, and revenge following Edmond Dantès.
From there, the programme slows into a quieter rhythm with Sweet Bean, the Japanese drama known for its reflective storytelling and themes of loneliness, routine, and human connection.
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One of the standout additions this year is Said Effendi, a restored Arab classic that explores social and cultural shifts through the story of a Baghdad schoolteacher.
The following evening features Sentimental Value, a relationship-driven drama centred around memory, family dynamics, and emotional distance.
Closing the week is Flow, the visually striking animated feature that has gained major international attention for its atmospheric storytelling following a black cat trying to survive in a flooded world.
What makes Cannes Film Nights feel different from a standard cinema visit is the setting itself.
Watching international films inside Louvre Abu Dhabi’s auditorium gives the screenings a slower, more immersive atmosphere that feels closer to a cultural evening than a casual movie night.
Each screening begins at 7pm, with doors opening at 6.30pm and closing at 6.55pm, so arriving early is recommended.
Tickets are priced at AED30, making it a relatively easy way to experience a festival-style film programme without leaving the city.
Screening Schedule
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The Count of Monte Cristo: Tuesday, 12 May
Sweet Bean: Wednesday, 13 May
Said Effendi: Thursday, 14 May
Sentimental Value: Friday, 15 May
Flow: Saturday, 16 May
AED30. 12-16 May, doors open at 6.30pm, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi. For further information, visit louvreabudhabi.ae
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