Mohamed, a young Palestinian filmmaker, is on a cultural exchange in Norway when the borders to Gaza close indefinitely. Leaving his family and hometown to seek asylum is unthinkable. Instead, he waits for the situation to change and completes his film Ambulance with Nordic colleagues. The film becomes a global success and travels the world, but not Mohamed. He is stuck in the North facing an extraordinary dilemma. His new visa is denied, and the Gazan border starts allowing limited crossings. If he returns to Gaza, the ongoing blockade may end his career just as it is starting. He decides to appeal the visa decision, unknowingly starting an ongoing odyssey. Demanding recognition of his profession and nationality, he mobilizes his camera and community under the motto: Life is Beautiful.

We finished editing «Life is Beautiful» shortly before the current crisis in Gaza began, ready to bring more attention to Palestinian stories and struggles in exile, the challenges that stateless and displaced people face, and the ongoing blockade on Gaza. But in the days and weeks that followed, our film took on new dimensions, meaning, urgency, and relevance as we continue to witness what is happening in Gaza. Our aim is to use the film to work with other organizations to strengthen and help Palestinians’ access freedom, peace, aid and the right to be recognized; as well provide support for Palestinian filmmakers and narratives – particularly those from Gaza – to help bring their stories to light.