Would you watch a movie with strangers?
All of us like going to the movies, right? The combination of chilled cola, salted popcorn, and uninterrupted hours of entertainment is an ideal way to relax. But, would you say yes to an invite to watch a film with a bunch of strangers? Maybe, you would — after you hear all about the movie nights planned by a city-based Meetup group called Movie Buffs UAE.
Cameras rolling: here’s how it came into being
“I came to Dubai in 2005. It was the first time I’d taken up a job abroad and I found it tough to adjust to a new place. I did know a few people, however, over time many of them moved to other places or went back to their home countries. A few years flew by and I realised that each time I wished to go out for a movie I couldn’t find anyone to go along with — the few people I knew would be busy, travelling, etc. So, I joined Meetup and soon enough created my own Meetup group, Movie Buffs UAE,” recalls Amir Latif, 34, a Pakistani expat, who works in a car rental company. Today, the group boasts 2,900 members. “I joined the group to socialise with people from different cultures — after all, Dubai is home to people from over 100 nationalities,” says Indian expat Sheikh Shaan, a 27-year-old software engineer.
Stranger Things: why does the concept click?
“It’s the fun of being together and enjoying a movie with the people who appreciate it as much as you do that works for me — especially, say when you watch a comedy — you’d like to be surrounded by a bunch of crazy people, who appreciate good humour,” says Sheikh. “I joined the group because I feel watching a movie alone is not fun, but what I love about the Meetup is that it is not just about love for movies. It’s a group of warm and welcoming people. Each of us has different
Watching a movie alone can get quite boring. Yes, catching up on movies with friends and family makes for a wonderful outing, but to be able to bond with a stranger over a film is lovely — unique experience too Amir Latif founder, Movie Buffs UAE
attitudes and personality traits, and our movie tastes are varied too — which, makes it fascinating to make note of everybody’s reactions, ratings and understanding of the same film. It’s quite a journey of lessons and discoveries,” shares Karen ‘Kim’ Pison, a 32-yearold Filipino expat, who works as an operations manager and freelance music-sports trainer in the city. On an average, 15-40 people watch a flick together, “I have set 50 as the limit on attendees,” says Amir. At their last MeetUp, 19 of them watched the action film, Kingsman: The Golden Circle.
“Meeting people from other nationalities through Movie Buffs UAE has taught me things I would have never known. It’s a lovely group of Indians, Pakistanis, Arabs, Europeans, Filipinos, et al. I have gone out watching films with Indians in the group and realised that they share the same culture and are very warm people — a message I wish could spread to people back home. Today, I have more friends from India than Pakistan. It’s in the UAE that not only did I find good work to do, but have formed friendships for a lifetime. I am slowly learning the languages and cultures of my friends,” says Amir.
“I have made a lot of friends through this group and I will cherish these memories all my life,” says Sheikh. “Everyone is so busy in their lives that we don’t find the time to know people from different backgrounds. This group allows me to do that,” says Abdul Basith Faris, 36, who works in a managerial position in Dubai. This Sri Lankan expat enjoys watching action and fantasy films. “It’s good to have a platform where we can interact with people from all over the world and share our varying views over a film or otherwise,” says Sheikh.
Currently showing: where do they watch the films?
“Our favourites are the cinema halls, which are near Metro stations — hence City Centre Deira and Mall of the Emirates,” says Amir. Have they ever hosted screenings at someone’s home? “No, for I feel the films need to be seen on the big screens,” says Amir. Neither do they watch the films at the outdoor screenings across the city. As for the frequency of their meetings, it all depends on good releases — though typically, they plan two sessions in a week. “We go in for a mix of genres — action, comedy, horror, etc. Recently, Annabelle and It were two films that were enjoyed by everyone,” adds Amir, whose favourite genres are sci-fi and fantasy. Sheikh also enjoys sci-fi, along with romance and comedy. Karen likes it all — action, sci-fi, horror, comedy, and adventure.
Book seats now: here’s how it works
In a group of people of mixed interests, how are the movies selected? “Members inbox with their interests, other than that I keep an eye out for the promos that are popular. The whole premise of the group is to cater to movie lovers of different nationalities. We also try to go in for films in different languages,” says Amir. Once the film has been selected, the first one who books his/her ticket, informs the rest about the selected row, so that they go ahead and buy their tickets in the same seating area. They meet up at the venue 15 minutes before the start of the show, for a formal introduction session, before heading to the hall. Oh yes, you pay for your own snacks, just as you book your own ticket. Also, on some occasions, the movie outing is followed by a dinner or sheesha outing too. Find them here: meetup.com/ Movie-Buffs-UAE/