Shelter Set For Release Today As GCC's First Anthology Film

Gulf Insider

11-04-2025

Shelter, the GCC's first-ever anthology film, is set to release in cinemas across Bahrain today, marking a significant step for regional independent cinema.
The four-part Malayalam-language anthology will screen at Epix Cinemas, Dana Mall, bringing together a cross-cultural cast and crew in what organisers describe as a 'landmark collaboration.'
The project features four short films, each directed by a different filmmaker, and supported by a team of over 100 artists and technicians.
Cultural diversity
For the first time, actors from Kerala, Bahrain, and Rajasthan share the screen in a Malayalam production, in an effort to promote cultural diversity and storytelling that crosses traditional boundaries.
Project directors Jaya Menon and Prakash Vatakara said the anthology reflects a unified vision to create cinema that resonates across cultures and backgrounds.
'We wanted to create cinema that speaks from the heart, that connects people regardless of where they come from,' they said.
The film's creators have underlined that Shelter is not just a creative milestone, but also an effort to amplify lesser-heard voices in regional cinema.
Human experiences
With a focus on emotionally charged narratives, the anthology aims to highlight shared human experiences that extend beyond geographical borders.
In the lead-up to its release, the production team has called for strong media support to help promote the project to a wider audience.
They stressed that public engagement would be vital to ensuring the success of this independent venture, which they hope will pave the way for more collaborative filmmaking efforts in the region.
Shelter opens at Epix Cinemas, Dana Mall, today.
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