MOVIES

(from the Economist) [the bold face movies deal with African-Israeli themes]

In general these movies are about Jewish themes, about people who slip between the cracks, who do not feel comfortable with Jews or Arabs, have a different self-identity that does not fall within the normal poles, or, perhaps, feel like an outsider or foreigner either at home or in a distant land.

On Hold

About a woman and her friends who speak an Arabic heavily influenced and filled with Hebrew and live a culture heavily influenced by Jewish culture, yet face discrimination and prejudice from Jews and Arabs, in Israel and Arab countries.

Three Times Divorced

A Palestinian woman turns to the Israeli state for help when the sharia (Muslim Law) courts sides with her abusive husband, an Israeli Arab (not a Jew). But she has no status in Israel (she only has a visitor’s permit through marriage) and it’s a struggle to find help and aid.

Six Floors to Hell

Life of 6 Palestinians doing odd jobs to make it in Israel. They’ve snuck in from the West Bank, and it’s interesting because there are many African and Filipino guest workers who received valid permits and they cannot get one (especially as their families use to own land in parts of the country).

The Boys from Lebanon

This looks at some Lebanese Christians who fought with the Israeli army during the 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon by Israel (ended in 2000). In Israeli, they are looked down upon as Arabs, and the Arabs look at them as betrayers.

Yideshi Mama

A Russian guy wants to marry his Ethiopian girlfriend.

King Lati the First

A story about a Jewish boy, born to a Senegalese father (who received Israeli citizenship as a refugee) and a Belarusian mother, who is called “nigger” by his peers and is taken back to Senegal by his father to see about this boy’s claim to his father’s royal Senegalese throne.

The Prodigal Son

This one shows a look inside the group of black Americans who claim descent from one of the lost tribes of Israel, though not recognized as Jewish by the rabbinate. It’s called “the Prodigal Son” because one of the African Hebrew Israelites (who are vegan and teetotalers) goes to Israel to escape the strict living standards he has in his community. He seeks freedom.

Circumcise Me

An American catholic convert to Judaism does stand-up comedy routine about his conversion and new life. I think it’s a play on the “Supersize Me” movie’s title.