What went down at the Valentino Cinema event in Abu Dhabi

Maison Valentino hosted an event that felt like stepping into a Fellini film itself in the UAE’s capital. Teaming up with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the fashion house brought Federico Fellini’s timeless masterpieces to life for four magical nights at 421 Art Campus, running from January 13 to 16. It was a love letter to Rome, its cinematic legacy, and its enduring influence on style and culture.

The screenings tied into Valentino Avant Les Débuts, Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s debut campaign for the House, which drew heavily from Fellini’s dreamlike portrayal of Rome.

Here’s what went down…

Why Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi, with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, offered the perfect backdrop for Valentino Cinema. Noura Al Foulathi of ADIO explained, “Our partnership with Maison Valentino has allowed us to create a truly unique experience that honours the brand’s iconic legacy in Italian cinema while reflecting Abu Dhabi’s vision for luxury. By merging luxury fashion, arts, and the emirate’s rich cultural heritage, this event celebrates how Abu Dhabi is redefining elegance in the Arab world through a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.”

For Valentino, the choice of Abu Dhabi wasn’t just strategic but one that was symbolic. The emirate’s growing reputation as a global cultural destination highlights its unique ability to merge tradition with modern innovation, making it the perfect setting for this immersive celebration of cinema, fashion, and storytelling.

Conversations That Mattered

And speaking of storytelling, the opening night set the tone with a panel discussion with creatives from the region. Moderated by Butheina Kazim, founder of Cinema Akil, the UAE’s first independent arthouse cinema, the conversation brought together a diverse group of creatives: Abdulla Al Kaabi, Sarah Alhashimi, and Chndy from Dazed MENA (Mohamed Al Kindi).

Kazim, a champion of arthouse cinema in the Gulf, steered a lively discussion with the panellists, each offering a unique perspective. Al Kaabi, an award-winning filmmaker, spoke about storytelling as a bridge between cultures. Alhashimi shared her approach to exploring identity and transformation through film, while Chndy, delved into his passion for merging the Middle East’s cultural heritage with contemporary artistry.

Four Nights of Fellini

Each evening featured one of Fellini’s most iconic films: Roma on January 13 and 14, La Dolce Vita on the 15th, and 8 ½ closing the series on January 16. These screenings allowed audiences to dive into Fellini’s vision of Rome, a city that has been central to Valentino’s brand identity for decades.

More than a fashion meet-up, Valentino Cinema felt like a cultural dialogue. For four nights, the magic of cinema brought Rome to Abu Dhabi, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a world where fashion, film, and culture seamlessly coincided.