Life is Beautiful

Documentary, director: Mohamed Jabaly, Norway/Palestine, 2023, 90 min., En./Arab./Nor. with En. ST.

Followed by a Film Talk with Mohamed Jabaly.

Making films is Mohamed passion, a dream he is eager to pursue, and a vehicle through which he can capture the struggles and hopes of his people amidst the turmoil of wars and siege. In 2014, he was invited to participate in a film festival in Tromsø, Norway. However, during his visit, another war broke out.The borders of his home, Gaza, were closed for an unspecified time. Tormented by nagging worries about his family and fears of being expelled to nowhere by the Norwegian government that considers him stateless, Mohamed spent days that resembled nights at the margin of the earth, waiting for an unknown destiny. His Norwegian colleagues, friends, audience, and film communities were determined to support his quest for justice. This poignant portrait of resilience and solidarity earned the film the Best Directing Award at the IDFA in 2023.

In cooperation with the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung.