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Other Israel Film FestivalNov. 8-15, 2007JCC in Manhattan, Symphony Space, & Cinema Village General Admission: $11 Festival Pass: $35 646-505-5708 otherisrael.org  The festival serves an ambitious schedule, transcending expectations by featuring photography exhibitions, musical performances, gala events. and much more. The week long festival strives to promote the issues and dramas of Israel's largest minority. Visit the website for the complete schedule of events and tickets at: otherisrael.org Here is a list of the films: On HoldNov. 8, 2007 at 7pmJCC in Manhattan Nov. 11, 2007 at 9pm JCC in Manhattan On Hold is a documentary that explores the layers of relationships, between a married couple and their mixed feelings toward their homeland. The film presents itself as a collage of mixed feelings and complex thoughts that interplay between the two themes. Beyond the WallsNov. 9, 2007 at 7pmCinema Village Nov 13, 2007 at 9pm Cinema Village A prison film featuring the corrupt inner-society that perpetuates its existence. The film also addresses the conflicts that arise between Arab prisoners and Jewish prisoners, effectively providing social commentary while creating an intrigruing frame for a mystery. The Syrian BrideNov. 9, 2007 at 9pmCinema Village An intricate drama delving into the various lives that intersect at a wedding. The plot mixes politics and challenges cultural boundaries when the bride must make a choice between her future husband and life in Syria, or her family in Majdal Shams--the largest Druze village in Golan Heights. Ringo & TaherNov. 10, 2007 at 3pmSymphony Space This seemingly simple children's story explores the roles of family and culture in "Ringo & Taher." Taher, is a little boy who goes against his father's wishes to raise a puppy on his own. Drama ensues as the boy must choose between his newly acquired pet, or submit to his father's will. The Red ToyNov 10, 2007 at 3pmSymphony Space An arab child named Mohammed, resides in Jerusalem and finds a mystical red toy. The film tracks the encounters of the red toy as well as its lonely first owner. A film short presented with "Ringo & Taher." Atash (Thirst)Nov 10, 2007 at 7pmSymphony Space Fleeing from a scandal that would undo the family, Abu Shukri moves his family into the middle of nowhere. With only the father and son in contact with the rest of the world, the father plans on constructing a pipeline to bring fresh water to their new hideout. The project stirs the family to hope for a better future, although it is set at the risk of the family's safety. MaktubNov. 10, 2007 at 7pmJCC in Manhattan An israeli police officer is assigned to investigate a murder case, however this seemingly routine procedure becomes wrought with strange flashes that affect the detective's life. These flashes lead the officer to the meaningful beliefes f the Druze society, mainly reincarnation. But as his perspective changes, he begins to question his relationship with his current fiance and the impending case. Since You LeftNov. 11, 2007 at 1pmJCC in Manhattan An introspective autobiographical feature, which captures Arab Israeli actor Bakri in his journey to the grave of his former mentor. Interspliced with archive footage, personal films and other documentary materials, the film is a personal and political statement that questions the changes that have occurred in Isarael as well as the actor's own thinking since his mentor's death. First Lesson In PeaceNov. 11, 2007 at 3pmJCC in Manhattan The often controversial Jewish and Arab relations are explored through the perspective of a six-year old girl. Presented in a documentary format, the director captures his daughter's experiences in an integrated Arab-Jewish school. Arab LaborNov. 11, 2007 at 3pmSymphony Space Amjad is a thirty year-old Arab Israeli journalist married to a social worker. He persistantly tries to make his career, but is hindered by the process of "Israelization." His family and the society that he wishes to be revered, do not acknowledge his talents. Nevertheless, he continues for the sake of his family. EmpathyNov. 11, 2007 at 5pmSymphony Space Nov. 14, 2007 at 9pm Cinema Village A symphony of various stories come together harmoniously within this complex film. Each portrayal effectively concentrates upon the delicate relationship betwen victim/victimizer while transcending the culture and social norms. RoadsNov. 11, 2007 at 5pmSymphony Space Nov. 14, 2007 at 9pm Cinema Village A 13-year old boy searches for a new life and his lost brother in the Arab drug slums of Lod. An ex-soldier from the Israli army meets the boy for drugs. The two connect and attempt to discover their identity within the dark recesses of the slum. A short film presented with "Empathy." The Film ClassNov. 11, 2007 at 7pmJCC in Manhattan Filmmaker Uri Rosenwaks came to a Bedouin town in Israel's Negev Desert to teach a group of Black Bedouin women how to make film. After several months of collaborative work, the women produce a a film that addresses a great taboo within the secretive society. PicklesNov. 11, 2007 at 7pmSympony Space Eight Arab Israeli widows start a pickle factory and encounter several obstacles dealing with their cultural status. The documentary film records their development and their personal evolution within this unconventional project. No Longer AchmedNov. 12, 2007 at 7pmJCC in Manhattan A young Arab Bedouin of the Hamdoon tribe named Achmed Hamdoom changes his name to the typically Israeli name Median Sade. His clan becomes outraged and label him as a traitor. The documentary film follows this young Bedouin's identity crisis, oscillating between the modern Jewish society and historical Arab traditions. A Trumpet in the WadiNov. 13, 2007JCC in Manhattan A love story, involving two outsiders in Israeli society, face impossible circumstances that challenge and enforce their love for each other. Alex is an immigrant from Russia, and Huda is an Arab woman from Haifa. Huda's family discourages the relationship due to the politcal atmosphere. They encounter persecution from all fronts and slowly start to question whether their love can exist at all. Close to HomeNov. 13, 2007 at 9pmJCC in Manhattan Two women, Smadar and Mirit are both 18 years old. They are on assignment for their military service to patrol the streets of Jerusalem and to check and register all Arab citizens. However their assignment leads them on a road to personal discovery, involving past relationships as well as the controversial relationship that is directly in front of them... ShadyaNov. 14, 2007 at 7pmJCC in Manhattan A world champion in Karate, Shadya Zoabi wants to prove herself beyond the martial arts world. She desires to acquire the approval of her Arab village in Northern Israel. The movie documents Shadya's determined pursuit to stay within the boundaries of her village's standards as well as exceeding her own. Crossing BordersNov. 15, 2007 at 7:30pmJCC in Manhattan A compelling documentary portrays a sensitive look at two women who encounter chauvinist oppression in their world. The movie catalogues their numerous conflicts with the obstacles and shows their remarkable transformation. |
