Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes May 15, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Cannes Film Festival 2025
Starship Entertainment Acquires Acclaimed Iraqi Play for Feature Film Adaptation
Writer-Director Yasir Alyasiri to Bring "Heaven Opens Its Doors Late" to the Big Screen
UAE-based production house Starship Entertainment is proud to announce the acquisition of the theatrical rights to the celebrated Iraqi stage play “الجنة تفتح أبوابها متأخرة” ("Heaven Opens Its Doors Late"), with plans to develop it into a feature-length film written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Yasir Alyasiri.
The announcement is being made during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where Starship Entertainment is actively engaging with global partners to shape the project’s next phase of development and international rollout.
Originally written by renowned Iraqi playwright Falah Shaker, the play was first brought to life on stage by acclaimed director Muhsin Al Ali, who also produced the original theatrical production. Heaven Opens Its Doors Late is a haunting, philosophical drama that explores the psychological aftermath of captivity, memory, and fractured identity. With its deeply symbolic language and surreal tone, the work is regarded as a cornerstone of contemporary Iraqi theatre.
“This is more than just an adaptation,” says Yasir Alyasiri, whose directorial credits include HWJN (Red Sea Opening Film 2024) and 122 (the first Arab 4DX thriller). “It is a cinematic homage to a powerful story that speaks to our region’s trauma, resilience, and existential search for meaning.”
The project will also see the involvement of The Iraqi Cinema Company, founded by Zaid F. Jawad, joining as distributor—marking a collaborative effort to elevate Iraqi storytelling to a broader cinematic platform.
Starship Entertainment, founded by Alyasiri, continues its mission of developing high-end, emotionally resonant Arab stories with universal impact. The company is currently in talks with European co-producers and sales agents to further expand the film’s global reach.
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