Suleiman is currently serving as an artistic advisor for the Doha Film Institute.
The 30th Sarajevo Film Festival is set to pay homage to Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the world of cinema. Renowned for his unique storytelling and cinematic prowess, Suleiman will be presented with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award during the festival. Additionally, his distinguished body of work will be celebrated through a retrospective presentation of selected films as part of the Festival’s “Tribute to” Programme.
Suleiman’s association with the Sarajevo Film Festival dates back to 2013 when he graced the event as a guest. His presence was felt again in 2016 when he served as the President of the Jury, followed by his attendance in 2019, where his film It Must Be Heaven was showcased in the Open Air programme, having already received accolades such as the Special Jury Mention at Cannes earlier that year.
Jovan Marjanović, Director of Sarajevo Film Festival, said: “It is our privilege to pay tribute to the esteemed author and friend of the Sarajevo Film Festival, whose universal language of cinema speaks to fundamental human values and emotions: fear and hope, home and homeland. With his trademark wit, humour and profound insight, he navigates the complexities of our existence, shedding light on the absurdities of life with unmatched clarity and poignancy, portraying the spirit and identity of Palestine with a unique authorial style. Now, in the darkest of times in his native land, his work serves as a beacon of understanding, reminding us of the power of storytelling to inspire meaningful dialogue.”
Born in Nazareth in 1960, Suleiman’s journey in filmmaking took him from New York, where he directed his initial short films, to Jerusalem, where he made significant contributions to the creation of a Film and Media Department at Birzeit University. His debut feature, Chronicle of a Disappearance, earned him recognition at the Venice Film Festival in 1996, marking the beginning of a distinguished career.
Suleiman’s cinematic prowess garnered international acclaim with films like Divine Intervention, which clinched prestigious awards at Cannes and the European Awards in Rome. His works have consistently captivated audiences and critics alike, earning him a place among the most revered filmmakers of his generation.
In addition to his directorial achievements, Suleiman has served on various festival juries, including Cannes and Venice, further solidifying his status as a respected figure in the global film community. His contributions have been acknowledged with numerous tributes, including the Prince Claus Award in 2008 and the title of “Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French Ministry of Culture in 2020.
Furthermore, Suleiman’s impact on world cinema was recognised with The European Achievement in World Cinema award in 2022 and an Honorary Doctorate from UcLouvain Belgium in February 2023, reaffirming his enduring legacy in the realm of filmmaking.
Currently serving as an artistic advisor for the Doha Film Institute, Suleiman continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers and storytellers around the globe with his visionary approach to cinema. His upcoming tribute at the Sarajevo Film Festival stands as a testament to his indelible mark on the art of film and his unwavering commitment to storytelling.
