Sabra subtitles

September 4, 2008 - 8:37 AM by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Blogging, General, Movies 

Ever ponder seeing an Israeli film, but wind up too intimidated by the choice of what’s out there? There are some great cinematic experiences available, and Jewish film festivals and repertory theaters in the US and Europe are increasingly screening blue and white movies. Heck, we almost won an Academy Award last year for Beaufort.

So, now’s the time, if you haven’t already, to familiarize yourself with the increasingly excellent creations coming out of our new generation of filmmakers. Luckily, there’s a handy blog out there that’s providing some insight into the industry, the films, the stories and the directors – and it’s written by a true expert in the field.

Amy4.jpgAmy Kronish’s Israelfilm is constantly growing its database of thoughtful, in depth postings on Israeli films, and Amy knows what she’s talking about. She served for 15 years as the curator of Jewish and Israeli Film at the Jerusalem Cinematheque/Israel Film Archive and established the Cinematheque’s Jewish Film Festival. She’s also the author of two books on Israeli film – “World Cinema: Israel and co-author of Israeli Film: A Reference Guide.

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One of the nice things about the blog is that it’s not only about newly released movies, but standout films that have been out there for a while that may deserve a second look. A recent post delved into the fine Dror Shaul film Sweet Mud, which was a prize winner at the Berlin Film Festival in 2006.

This film is a study of kibbutz members’ difficulties in coping with one woman’s weakness and instability, and Kronish provides some insightful background to the issue – which is natural, because another field of her expertise is lecturing on contemporary issues of Israeli society as seen through film.

Israeli films keep getting better and better, so don’t let a silly thing like language dissuade you from exploring what’s out there. Let Israelfilm be your guide as you take the plunge.

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