May brings a full slate of cinema magic to Bahrain’s screens, from a live Champions League semi-final on the big screen to fresh horror, a historical epic out of Egypt, and the long-awaited return of a certain Mandalorian. Here’s what’s worth your time this month.
5 May | Arabic commentary
Catch the second leg of the semi-final live, with Arabic commentary throughout. A proper cinema-hall atmosphere beats watching alone at home, and the tie is finely poised going into this one.
1 May | Malayalam
Mammootty, Mohanlal and Nayanthara headline this political thriller. A Malayali YouTuber tries to expose a corrupt Kerala politician and ends up on the run, fighting to clear his name. Expect a slick, fast-moving drama.
7 May | English
An author heads to a remote corner of Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes. The cottage he’s rented turns out to be less peaceful than advertised. Starring Austin Amelio and Adam Scott in leading roles.
7 May | English
The video-game franchise returns with Johnny Cage in the mix this time. The champions now face off against each other in a no-holds-barred fight to stop Shao Kahn. Brutal, loud, and exactly what fans of the first film will want.
14 May | English
Six friends investigate a string of missing-persons cases in a remote cave system. Something ancient is waiting for them down there. John Rhys-Davies lends weight to the cast.
14 May | English
Alicia Vikander, Jude Law and Paul Dano star in this post-Soviet political drama. A young filmmaker is drawn into Putin’s inner circle as he rises to power. Image-making turns into something far more dangerous. One of the month’s most talked-about releases.
21 May | Arabic
A 19th-century Egyptian historical drama starring Mohamed Ramadan. Asad, a slave, falls for a free woman and ignites a confrontation that could change the country’s relationship with slavery itself. Razane Jammal and Kamel El Basha co-star.
21 May | English
A young couple witnesses a highway accident and discovers they’ve brought something home with them. Van-life horror with a demonic twist.
21 May | English
Din Djarin and Grogu return for a new Star Wars adventure on the big screen. Pedro Pascal leads, with Jeremy Allen White and Sigourney Weaver joining the cast. A must for Star Wars fans, and worth seeing on EPIX’s format.
Operating since 1968, Cineco is Bahrain’s longest-running cinema chain with five locations: Juffair, Seef, Al Hamra, Wadi Al Sail, and Al Liwan. It’s the dependable pick for a straightforward screening without fuss.
VOX operates at City Centre Bahrain in Seef, and The Avenues in Manama, offering premium formats including THEATRE, GOLD, and MAX screens with Dolby Atmos. It was the first in the Middle East to introduce IMAX with Laser and Sapphire technology, and its 4DX screens add a multi-sensory dimension. MAX screens come with spacious seating, extra legroom, side tables, and top-tier surround sound.
Cinépolis has two locations at Atrium Mall in Saar and on Amwaj Islands, with modern screens and a growing film selection. Keep an eye on their regular offers for good value screenings.
Based at Dana Mall in Sanabis, EPIX runs 10 screens with over 1,100 seats, ranging from intimate setups to multi-level balcony seating. EPIX also operates the Al Liwan cinema.
Mukta at Juffair Mall is the only Indian cinema chain operating internationally, founded by filmmaker Subhash Ghai. It screens a strong weekly rotation of Bollywood releases, international hits, and live IPL matches at affordable prices. Wait for the weekly schedule to drop before booking online.
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