Palestinian Film Festival Opening Night | Life is Beautiful (2023) + Q&A with director

Life is Beautiful (2023), directed by Mohamed Jabaly, is an exploration of the homesickness experienced by the filmmaker, and the bureaucratic efforts of seeking asylum as a “stateless” refugee. While on exchange in Norway, Jabaly finds himself suddenly unable to return to his home in Gaza, where borders have been closed. Non-status and trapped abroad, Jabaly’s diary-style filming harkens back to the making of his debut Ambulance (2016) while simultaneously documenting the distance between himself and his family forced, and glimpses of the solace provided through the support he receives from his new friends in Tromsø, Norway, the twin city to Gaza.

There will be a Zoom Q&A with the director Mohamed Jabaly, moderated by Özge Calafato.

ABOUT PFFA

The Palestinian Film Festival Amsterdam was born from a grassroots initiative with a commitment to centre Palestinian voices on a vibrant platform. Since 2015, the PFFA’s mission is to amplify the cinematographic storytelling and artistry of both emerging and veteran Palestinian directors.

Approaching its ninth year, the 2024 PFFA will be held at five Amsterdam cinemas from October 10-13. As we prepare for the upcoming edition, our dedication to preserve the only Palestinian film festival in the Benelux is stronger than ever. Alongside a diverse selection of films, featuring experimental shorts, drama features, documentaries and animations, the 2024 PFFA highlights Dissident Voices, with a special focus on Gaza and Queer Palestinian Cinema. As an extension of last year’s Nakba commemoration, this year’s artist talks and fringe events will reflect the current context that we find ourselves in.