It Must Be Heaven

It Must Be Heaven, directed by Elia Suleiman, is an absurdist comedy about identity and belonging. Suleiman, one of Palestine's acclaimed directors, brings his unique satirical perspective to the forefront of a narrative that delves into the intricacies of a national identity shaped by life under Israeli occupation.

Suleiman, playing himself, starts his journey in Palestine before venturing to Paris and New York in search of producers to sponsor his newest film. During his travels, he is confronted with preconceived notions and Western stereotypes about Palestinians and the type of films they should create. As Suleiman navigates his way around the cities, he embraces the role of a disengaged and calm spectator, observing a contemporary existence that denies him a place in the world.

Suleiman's viewpoint is particularly poignant as a Palestinian filmmaker, where everything he witnesses and experiences becomes marked with a sense of identity that is at once alienated, questioning, uncertain. It Must Be Heaven consists of a series of short sketches that build into an absurdist narrative, serving as the director's return to the cinematic scene after a ten-year hiatus. The film delivers empathetic and humorous reflections on the topic of belonging and the elusive concept of home.

Recognized with a Special Mention at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, It Must Be Heaven resonates with universal themes while retaining its specificity to the Palestinian experience. Elia Suleiman’s film not only highlights his contribution to Palestinian cinema but also prompts contemplation on the possible detachment of those of us who live away from the Palestinian reality.

Elia Suleiman

2019

97 min

French dialogue, English subtitles