Life Is Beautiful: A Letter to Gaza

As part of Refugee Week 2025, LIFF partners with RETAS for a free community screening of the acclaimed and award-winning Palestinian documentary, alongside food and workshops.

Life is Beautiful tells the story of how director Mohamed Jabaly fought for his rights as a Palestinian and a filmmaker, when stranded in Norway due to circumstances beyond his control. Through his personal archive and video calls, he shares his love and longing for his hometown, friends and family, as he tries to make a new life for himself in the arctic. The film is a love letter to Gaza, to his adopted hometown in Tromsø, and to the empowering force of storytelling.

The screening will be preceded by a free creative art workshop led by clients of RETAS and free food will be available from the amazing Eastern Oven in Kirkgate Market. This is a casual and welcoming event and you are able to join for the film screening, the art activity, or for both, and soft drinks (hot and cold) will be available throughout the event.

SCHEDULE

5pm — 6.15pm: Art Workshop and Food

6.30pm — 8.10pm: Film Screening

Established in 2002, RETAS (Refugee Education Training Advice Service), is a well-respected community-based charity that supports the social, cultural and economic integration of refugees and asylum seekers in West Yorkshire.




Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. The festival is a partnership project coordinated by Counterpoints Arts. This year the festival takes place from 16-22nd June 2025 and the theme is “Community as a Superpower". For more information, head to refugeeweek.org.uk