In a city celebrated for its vibrant innovation and cosmopolitan energy, one woman stands out for her dedication to reviving the timeless art of cinema and fostering a new wave of cultural appreciation. Yulianna Anikieieva , a Ukrainian-born film curator, cultural entrepreneur, and founder of the Art House Movie Club, has spent over a decade in Dubai transforming the city’s cultural landscape—most recently with her ambitious plans for the inaugural Art House Movie Festival.
With 14 years in Dubai and a rich background in Los Angeles, where she studied at the New York Film Academy and directed theatrical productions, Yulianna brings a truly global perspective to her work. Her journey began in Ukraine and continued in Hollywood, where she honed her craft both behind and in front of the camera. Now, as a curator and critic, she is channeling her passion for cinema into a movement that unites, educates, and inspires communities across the UAE.
At the heart of Yulianna’s mission is the Art House Movie Club, a thriving community she founded three years ago. The club has become a dynamic platform for film enthusiasts, artists, and cultural thinkers to come together, rediscover cinematic classics, and engage in creative dialogue. Now, Yulianna is preparing for her most ambitious project yet: the Art House Movie Festival, scheduled for October 2026. This festival will feature masterpieces from legendary directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Michelangelo Antonioni, Ingmar Bergman, Andrei Tarkovsky and many more—offering Dubai audiences a rare opportunity to experience the essence of art house cinema on the big screen.
Through regular lectures, curated screenings, and cultural programs, Yulianna has built a vibrant community and championed the educational power of cinema. Her events go beyond simple screenings: she introduces audiences to the language of film, explores the cultural and historical context of each piece, and encourages participants to see cinema as a window into creativity and critical thinking. Her influence has reached far beyond the club’s members—her reviews from the Cannes Film Festival and active engagement on social media have brought international perspectives to Dubai’s cultural scene. Yulianna’s recent interview in WOW Magazine further highlights her role as a connector and innovator in the city’s art house movement.
“Art has always been the true treasure of humanity. My goal is to make art—and especially cinema—something fashionable and vital again. By bringing back the masterpieces and teaching the language of film, I hope to inspire a new generation of creators and thinkers in Dubai and beyond,” says Yulianna Anikieieva, founder of the Art House Movie Club.
Dubai’s rapid growth as a cultural and creative hub has opened space for new voices and visionary projects. Yulianna’s work not only preserves the legacy of film but also addresses the need for deeper cultural engagement, education, and creative dialogue in a fast-paced world. Her Art House Movie Club and upcoming festival are poised to make a lasting impact on the region’s cultural fabric.
As Yulianna Anikieieva prepares for the Art House Movie Festival, her vision for Dubai is clear: to rekindle the spirit of art, creativity, and cinematic excellence for future generations. Through education, community-building, and an unyielding passion for culture, she is redefining what it means to love and live cinema in the Middle East.
Editor-in-Chief of Dubai Magazine, and a columnist for Entrepreneur, Middle East Magazine, CEO Magazine, and The Hollywood Magazine. Known for building one of the fastest-growing media networks spotlighting influential voices across business, fashion, and culture. Passionate about telling stories that matter and creating platforms that elevate global talent.
