It Must Be Heaven

Like a modern Jacques Tati with a hint of Buster Keaton, director, writer, and actor, Elia Suleiman, embodies another silent version of himself, coming up with new, even subtler and more ingenious ways to portray the Palestinian ghettoisation. This time, in search of homeliness, Suleiman's alter ego travels from Nazareth to Europe, making the first stop at picturesque Paris to promote his movie, and then, off he goes to bustling New York City. There, he meets his friend, the actor, producer, and writer, Gael García Bernal, who is eager to lend a hand; however, it seems that his film is not Palestinian enough. But, when confronted with life's inherent absurdity, what else is there to do but sit back and stare in bewilderment?

Free Entry.
All koha received will be donated to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (the PCRF).

Directed by Elia Suleiman
Released 2019

Screening Time 8.00 pm
Date: Friday 15th August 2025
Location: Davis Lecture Theatre, Watt Street, Whanganui 4500

Awards 2019 Cannes Film Festival Special Mention from the Main Competition Jury, 2019 Cannes Film Festival FIPRESCI Prize for Best Film In Competition, Seville European Film Festival 2019 Winner Eurimages Award for Best European Co-Production, 2020 Winner The Critics Awards for Arabs Film Award - Best Director, 2020 Winner The Critics Award for Arab Films Award - Best Film.

Run time: 1 hour 37 mins
Rating: 15

Watch the trailer here.