Spring 2012

The Dolphin Boy(2011) documents the amazing recovery of an Israeli Arab boy, who was brutally attacked by his classmates, through an unconventional treatment with the Dolphins at the Dolphins Reef in Eilat. This film is relevant to disability and Animal Studies courses.

Speaker, Dani Menkin, the film’s director.

The Match Maker, set in Haifa during the Six Day War, follows a teenager boy who gets a summer job with a mysterious matchmaker.

Speaker: Professor Owen Shapiro, Director of the Film Program at Syracuse University and a film maker. Prof. Shapiro will deliver a talk entitled: An American Film Maker Looks at Israeli Cinema.

The Human Resources Manager, based on A. B.Yehoshua’s acclaimed novel, starts off with the death of a Romanian immigrant in Israel. Although her death was not work related, an investigative reporter decides to publicize the case as an example of the cold – hearted approach of the company to its employees. The Human Resources Manager is sent to Romania to counter those accusations.Rabbi Seth Haaz from Congregation Adath Israel in Middletown, will discuss ethical issues arising from this film from Judaic perspective.

Restorationnominated for 11 Israeli Academy Awards, centers on Mr. Fidelman’s attachment to his antique restoration workshop. After his long – time business partner passed away, Fidelman rejects his son’s idea to sell his business in order to build an apartment complex on the site. He believes that with the help of his new apprentice, Anton, he will find a way to save his workshop and his solitary world.

Speaker: Peter Gedrys, a professional restorer, will deliver a talk entitled Restoration: Embracing the Past While Creating the Future.

Intimate Grammar, based upon David Grossman’s acclaimed novel, depicts three years in the life of Aaron, a sensitive boy, who grows up in a militant generation that will not go through another Holocaust. During those years, during which Aaron refuses to grow, he embarks on a dangerous inner journey: to cross the boundary dividing childhood and adolescence.

Speaker: Laura Blum, a film critic will deliver a talk entitled The Boy Who Would not Grow Up.

Je T’aime Terminal ( I Love You Terminal) is a romantic comedy about a young Israeli man on his way to join his American fiancé. During twenty four hour connection delay, he meets an eccentric and charming girl with whom he contemplates love, relationships and life.

Speaker: Dani Menkin, the film director.