QUICK FACTS
Date of Birth
1960
Nazareth, Palestine
Place of Birth
Why Featured?
Elia Suleiman is a distinguished Palestinian filmmaker known for his unique storytelling and portrayal of life under Israeli occupation. His works, often filled with tragicomic elements, offer a deep insight into the Palestinian experience and challenge viewers to look beyond conventional narratives.
BRIEF BIO
Suleiman, who writes, directs, and often stars in his own films, focuses on the human experience in the context of political and social issues. His films are celebrated for their idiosyncratic style and have been recognized at major international film festivals.
LAST UPDATED
DATE
Monday, January 26, 2026
MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
Moved to New York City in 1981, where he directed his first two films...See More
Directed "Introduction to the End of an Argument" (1990) and "Homage by Assassination" (1992) in the United States.
Returned to Palestine in 1993 to teach film and media at Birzeit University and develop a new Department of Film and Media.
Directed "Chronicle of a Disappearance," winning the Best First Film Prize at the Venice Film Festival in 1996.
Released "The Time That Remains" in 2009, a film based on his father's diaries, which competed in the Cannes Film Festival.
CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
"Divine Intervention" (2002) - Won Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival and International Critics Prize (FIPRESCI)...See More
Developing a Film and Media Department at Birzeit University, contributing significantly to Palestinian cinema education...See More
His unique approach to filmmaking, often incorporating elements of surrealism and comedy to address serious political and social issues...See More
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Last updated
Jan 26, 2026
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