The dates for the screenings are February 25, March 4, and March 11. This year’s festival will be held virtually on Zoom with the opportunity to screen “Valley of Tears” and “Here We Are” ahead of time. “Outside” is a short film and will be shown as part of the virtual event.
The Festival is organized by Dalit Katz, Adjunct Associate Professor of Religion and Director of the Center for Jewish Studies at Wesleyan University. It is sponsored by the Ring Family, the Center for Jewish Studies, and co-sponsored by the College of Film and the Moving Image.
| Valley of Tears (February 25, 6:00 p.m.) Conversation with the TV Series Creator and Writer, Ron Leshem English subtitles REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT (You will receive a link to view the film 48 hours prior to the February 25 talk) On the first day of Yom Kippur, a surprise attack thrusts young combatants into battle. Inspired by the true events of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, this harrowing drama series focuses on the universality of heroism and sacrifice through four intertwined stories: a journalist searching for his estranged, newly-enlisted son; a commander and an intelligence analyst forced to flee their base near the Syrian border; three friends and Black Panthers activists on a tank crew facing political and personal conflicts; and a female officer who remains on the frontlines, despite orders to evacuate. |
 |
| Here We Are (March 4, 4:00 p.m.) Screening and Conversation with Film’s Director, Nir Bergman English Subtitles REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT (You will receive a link to view the film 48 hours prior to the March 4 talk) Aharon has devoted his life to raising his son Uri. They live together in a gentle routine, away from the real world. However, Uri is autistic, and now as a young adult it might be time for him to live in a specialized home. While on their way to the institution, Aharon decides to run away with his son and hits the road, knowing that Uri is not ready for this separation. Or is it, in fact, his father who is not ready? |
 |
| Outside: A COVID-19 Fairy Tale (March 11, 4:00 p.m.) Screening and Conversation with Etgar Keret English subtitles This seven-minute film is the first ever collaboration between author Etgar Keret and choreographer Inbal Pinto. The film is based on the short story “Outside,” written by Etgar Keret during the Covid-19 lockdown in Israel. It was filmed entirely during the pandemic both in Tel-Aviv and Tokyo and features Israeli and Japanese actors, musicians, and dancers. The film explores what it is like to step outside once the pandemic is over. |
 |