PROFILE-PLUS. The New Breed of Moviemakers

During the British Mandate and following the creation of statehood, early filmmaking in Israel focussed on the Land of Israel and the benefits of restoring Jewish connection to the land.

In 1964, Ephraim Kishon’s first movie Sallah Shabbati depicts the story of a lazy but charming immigrant who manipulates the system for his own advantage.

It proved to be a turning point in Israeli filmmaking and was nominated for an Academy Award.

During the 1970s filmmakers concentrated on what has been called Bourekas movies. Feel good stuff designed to take the pressure off day-to-day living. Just like eating sweet pastries for pleasure.

With the exploding population in the early 1990s cinema in Israel really came of age, both in quality and quantity. Younger and talented filmmakers turned their attention to more serious matters.

American-born filmmaker Joshua Faudem, now  resident in Israel and one of the new breed of filmmakers, served as a sergeant in an airborne unit after being drafted into the IDF for three years. He saw combat in Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza which left a marked impression on him.

In his films, Faudem attempts to humanize international issues which have been negatively labeled by the world media.

The personal aftermath of tragic events is often overlooked in the quest for sensational headlines.

The film A Will to Dance depicts the human relationship between a married couple in Germany following World War II. She, a survivor of the Holocaust, he a soldier in the German Army.

Both keep past secrets apart and their daughter grows up without knowledge of her parents’ former lives.

The film was written by Joshua Faudem in conjunction with Benjamin Gray and directed by Faudem.

The award-winning movie Blues on the Beach is a re-enactment of the terrorist attack in Mike’s Club and the personal stories from people in the Club during the attack.

Written and directed by Joshua Faudem.

The debate whether or not art can influence politics still rages. Perhaps best summed up by world-famous singer Paul Robeson, a great activist for equality and human rights.

‘As an artist I come to sing, but as a citizen I will always speak for peace and no-one can silence me in this.’  

Films which reach to the heart of injustice are perhaps an even better road towards peaceful co-existence.

PROFILE-PLUS is devised and compiled by Lloyd Masel for the benefit of JobShuk members. A free service.

LLOYD MASEL   fa********@***il.com

Creative Copywriter