Isreal
2007
120 min.
Genre/Subjects: Drama, Jewish, Lesbian, Middle Eastern, Parenting/Family

Trailer

The passions of a devout student and her rebellious roommate for their faith and each another are unlocked in this beautiful, poetic tale that explores the complexities faced by two Orthodox Jewish women.

The bus arrives, bringing attractive, witty and intelligent Naomi (Ania Bukstein) to the picturesque town of Safed, one of the most sacred cities in Israel and the birthplace of Kabbalah. It is here that she is continuing her studies in Orthodox Judaism. This devout student is the daughter of a well-respected rabbi, but it was his repression of her that drove her away from home. She aspires to become the first female rabbi, but in conservative Jewish law, this dream is scorned. While at the seminary, Naomi meets the rebellious, secular teen Michelle, who just flew in from France. Polar opposites, they quickly bond when their headmistress asks them to look after a mysterious woman who is dying. Anouk (legendary French actress Fanny Ardant, 8 Women) is filled with secrets and seeks God’s forgiveness for her sordid past.

With a tender touch and an acute eye for detail, acclaimed director Avi Nesher (Turn Left at the End of the World, Doppelganger) brilliantly tackles subjects taboo to a conservative community, including feminism, sexual awakening and lesbianism. Each character is tormented over what is right and what is seemingly wrong. These women struggle to find their place, but in the end it’s the journey that helps them find their way to personal salvation. • Kelly Burkhardt