Dragoman Films

20 years ago filmmaker Amir Har-Gil documented five Israeli teenagers of different backgrounds in Israeli society - Meir from Kibutz Ma'abarot, Sa'ar from the wealthy Tel Aviv neighborhood Ramat Aviv, Meir from the southern development town of Ofakim, Moondar from the Arab town Taibeh, and Yehoshua from the ultra orthodox Chabad Village. These young boys, representing a microcosm of Israeli society, share their thoughts regarding Israel’s future and their own.

Since then Har-Gil revisits these youngsters after 10 years and now, after 20 years. They are 30 something, with families of their own and a more mature and realistic (some may say pessimistic) view on Israel’s society and future.

Through their eyes and Har-Gil’s, we come to realize what Israel was like, what it had aspired to, and what it has eventually become.

Notes: 14 min + 60 min (1st and 3rd installations)

The full prograpm is compiled of a 14 min chapter recaping the 1986 edition, and a 60 min chapter revisiting the children in 2006. These can be screened separately or together.

"...a touching documentary, real, simple, with lots of love."

Yehudit Oryan, Yediot Ahronot
"An original film...most complete and mature..."

Amy Kronish, Israeli Films & Filmmakers: Updates and Analysis
"Each character, in his own way, provides a startling look at the compromises made in life, how one must adapt one’s dreams and how shifts are made in one’s priorities."
For the full blog: http://www.israelfilm.blogspot.com/

Festivals:

Aitz Hayim Center for Jewish Living Film Festival - November 2008
Jewish Community Center of St. Louis Film Festival - May 2008
Boston Jewish Film Festival - November 2008