Program in Near Eastern Studies
Israeli Film Series, Spring 2004

All films are shown in Betts Auditorium, Princeton university, NJ, at 7:30 p.m.

Monday, March 1: Aviv
Popular Israeli singer Aviv Geffen grew up in a liberal intellectual family and for many years has become the spokesperson for Israeli youth.  This fascinating feature documentary follows the rise of the star, his roots, prolific songwriting and his performances. Directed by Tomer Heymann.

Monday, March 29: Mike Brant: Laisse Moi Taimer
A winner of the Jerusalem Film Festival and an official selection in the 2003 Cannes International Film Festival.  Mike Brant rose from a working class family in Haifa, Israel to the glamorous Pop music of Paris in the 70’s, and became one of the biggest stars of the French music industry.  This film features fantastic archival footage.  Directed by Erez Laufer.

Monday, April 12: Giraffes
A winner of the Jerusalem International Film festival for best script.  The lives of three Israeli women in Tel Aviv crisscross and crisscross again, with a number of mix-ups and coincidences creating the situations – sometimes sad, often humorous – which form the film.  The plot is so complex that you will find yourself wondering how it can possibly come to a manageable conclusion.  But it does, in its own exhilarating fashion.  Contemporary Israel, contemporary Israeli women – definitely worth a look-see.  Directed by Tzahi Grad, 2001, 115 minutes.

Monday, April 26: Uri Avnery: Warrior of Peace
Avinery is the “Last Mohican of the radical left,” someone Israelis have loved to hate for over 50 years. 
A thought-provoking story about a person who never gives up.  A Jerusalem International Film Festival
 “Spirit of Freedom” award winner in 2002.  Directed by Yair Lev.