Various Faces of the Israeli – Palestinian Conflict at the IFFK

A handful of films, presenting the intricacies of the Israeli – Palestinian Conflict, will feature at the 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) this year.

Lined up are Sameh Zoabi’s ‘Tel Aviv On Fire’, Reports on Sarah and Saleem’ by Muayad Alayan, Bassam Jarbawi’s debut ‘Screwdriver’, Samuel Maoz's 'Foxtrot' and Amos Gitai’s ‘A Tramway In Jerusalem’ - all doing justice to the role of cinema as a canvass portraying international conflicts and their socio-political-communal-religious scenarios, 

‘Tel Aviv On Fire’ brings to the screens a different take on the conflict, often attributed as the most intractable disputes. The genial satirical comedy, narrates the tale of Palestinian soap opera writer and his encounters with an Israeli border security officer who tries to influence the direction of the show’s plot. The film won Kais Nashef the Best Actor prize at the Venice International Film Festival and will have its Indian Premiere at the fest. 

‘Reports on Sarah and Saleem’ is a psychosocial drama, that portrays the extra marital affair between a Palestinian man and an Israeli woman, which has severe political consequences. Sarah’s nervousness as Saleem takes her at night to Bethlehem, just half an away, yet on another planet as far as she’s concerned, reflects the real life in the areas. Their betrayal of marriage vows turns into a betrayal of two nations, for those around them. 

‘Screwdriver’, set in the semi-permanent Al-Amari Refugee Camp on the Ramallah outskirts, explores the physical and emotional trauma, and difficulties faced by a man returning to normal life after 15 years. Venice International Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner ‘Foxtrot’ is a metaphorical triptych that depicts the out-of-mind bubble mentality of the civilian citizens of Israel, through a family which loses their son, who is a soldier. Both 'Screwdriver' and 'Foxtrot' will have their Indian Premieres at the fete. 

‘A Tramway In Jerusalem’ is a portrait of the Israeli society, and its dizzying contradictions. It draws a picture of people talking, singing, discussing politics, harassing and comforting each other aboard a means of public transport.

·         Screening Details

Tel Aviv On Fire – 08 December, New Screen 1, 11:45 AM

Reports On Sarah and Saleem – 08 December, Nila, 09:00 PM

Screwdriver – 07 December, Nila, 09:30 AM

Foxtrot – 07 December, Kairali, 11:30 AM

A Tramway In Jerusalem – 08 December, Sree, 08:45 PM