Hogwash!

October 1, 2007 - 5:00 PM by

Remember how we raved about the film The Band’s Visit?

Since then, the film won the Israeli equivalent of 8 Oscars (they’re called “Ofers” here) for best film, best actress, best director and so on and so forth. Apparently it’s also up for Best European Film of 2007.

But that’s not what we’re writing about today.

Today we’re angry. Because according to this story, over in Egypt the movie has been banned. And the film is about an Egyptian band, for criminy’s sake.

The reason? Too racy, say Cairo International Film Festival organizers.

You mean that wee scene that mostly hints at passion between Israeli actress Ronit Elkabetz and Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri? The one that lets the audience know they’re up to a little sumpin’ sumpin’ but doesn’t allow the audience to see any “bits”?

Hogwash.

And to add insult to injury, the Egyptian Actor’s Association put pressure on organizers of the Abu Dhabi film festival – they were slated to screen the film in October – and they’ve buckled and canceled.

Bummer.

“We were hoping to succeed where the diplomats couldn’t, but apparently the time is not yet ripe,” Eilon Rachkovsky, the film’s producer told press.

Sigh. Makes me tired.

Read all about it here.

Tags: • Category: A New Reality, Art, Israeliness, Politics 

Comments

2 Comments on Hogwash!

  1. Shayna on Mon, Oct 1st 2007 11:48 PM

    2. That is such total doo-doo! The movie was amazing, and the acting superb.

  2. David-Joe on Tue, Oct 2nd 2007 3:34 AM

    3. When will many of my fellow Israelis recognize reality – that no Arab country is and can ever be decent or friendly towards Israel.

    For a start there is not a single Arab country that even recognizes the rights of their own people, so exactly why do Israelis expect anything??

    Retreating or compromising will always land Israel with a great problem. Moving out of Gaza is one of the worst moves ever and Israel’s security is worse now.

    The enemy understands pain and the world is weak. Therefore Israel showing determination and strength of purpose and righteousness in its own selfish cause can and will win out.

    This was always the way until a very soft and timid leadership began to emerge.

    And exactly who cares what the Egyptians do – it is not important.

    Israel – have iron clad confidence because without that, even the most powerful nation loses.

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