Impact Days Catalogue
fifdh
By Mohamed Jabaly

Life is Beautiful

Al haya helwa
IMPACT DAYS

In 2014, Mohamed Jabaly was invited to Norway to present his film Ambulance. During his stay, the borders of Gaza – his country of origin – were closed indefinitely. This political situation led to many consequences, and when Norway refused to accept his Palestinian passport, Mohamed became stateless. Life is Beautiful is a moving account of his journey to obtain a visa and, above all, to return home. Between laughter and tears, he takes us into his daily life in Norway, from promoting his film to discovering the country and the pain of speaking with his family, with whom he cannot be reunited. Winner of the IDFA award for Best Director in International Competition, this film is a cry for the freedom of movement and opportunity, but above all the freedom to pursue one’s dreams.

This film received the Gilda Vieira de Mello Prize – in honor of her son Sergio Vieira de Mello – at the FIFDH 2024.

Section : Competition - Creative Documentaries
Country : Norway, Palestine, Qatar
Original languages : Norwegian, English, Arabic
Subtitles : English, French
Director
Mohamed Jabaly (Palestine)
Producers
Kristine Ann Skaret (Norway)
Stray Dog Productions AS
Photography
Mohamed Jabaly (Palestine)
Editing
Erland Edenholm
Anne Fabini
Music
Gaute Barlindhaug
Sound
Anna Nilsson
World Sales
First Hand Films (Switzerland)
Duration
90’
Completion
2023
Impact Statement
According to the UNHCR, stateless people have difficulty accessing basic rights like employment and freedom of movement. They are also more vulnerable to displacement. In the last decade the number of displaced people has doubled - to an estimated 89.3 million people at the end of 2021. Mohamed’s story shows how to face such staggering obstacles with joy, humour, warmth, love, perseverance – and community. We would like to invite more people to join this community. We want to work together with organisations to help strengthen stateless and displaced peoples’ access to rights and aid, and provide support for other aspiring filmmakers in Gaza. We hope the film inspires people in similar situations to fight for their dreams and futures, and activates those who are in a position to help.
Stuck in the Arctic, a young Palestinian filmmaker is forced to confront what it means to be stateless and displaced - labels he always resisted. With his camera as a witness, he records seven years of triumph, defeat, and perseverance, as he fights for his right to self-determination.
Impact Goals
  1. Finance programs and equipment for aspiring Palestinian filmmakers, and fund a modern cinema in Gaza.
  2. Strengthen access to human rights and aid for stateless and displaced people, by forming coalitions with organisations.
  3. Spread knowledge and information about the challenges displaced, stateless people face.
  4. Use the film to help inform audiences about the blockade of Gaza, and help to find a peaceful end to the situation.
Impact Strategy
  • Work with organisations addressing the rights of displaced, stateless people to set up screenings for decision makers, members and general audiences.
  • Work with youth groups and youth councils to set up screenings and run workshops for young people.
  • Host screenings with human rights groups to educate about the Gaza blockade - Translate film material to reach other displaced / stateless audiences.
  • Create screening guides providing more information about issues in the film.
  • Use media and PR surrounding the film to educate about challenges displaced, stateless people face.
  • Support fundraising for affected populations through partner organisations - Reach out to audiences that already know Mohamed’s previous works.
  • Create an artistic / creative installation.
Contact
Primary contact
Sarah Winge-Sørensen (Norway): sarah@straydogs.no
Participants present at the Impact Days
Mohamed Jabaly (Palestine)
Sarah Winge-Sørensen (Norway)

ORGANISATIONS
The Asylum Policy Forum
Gaza Municipal Council

FILM FUNDS AND AGENCIES
Norwegian Film Institute
The Fritt Ord Foundation
The Audio and Visual Fund
Filmfond Nord
Nordnorsk Filmsenter
Viken Filmsenter

ORGANISATIONS
The Asylum Policy Forum
Gaza Municipal Council

FILM FUNDS AND AGENCIES
Norwegian Film Institute
The Fritt Ord Foundation
The Audio and Visual Fund
Filmfond Nord
Nordnorsk Filmsenter
Viken Filmsenter