Israeli Society in the Cinema

                                             MVZb2032

                                       Prof. Ariel Feldstein

This course will address the ways in which Israeli cinema represents Israeli society and examine
the cinematic perspective on the divisions within that society. The aim of the course is to discuss
issues connected to the formation of Israeli society, to provide tools for understanding
disagreements and political and ideological debates and their impact on the Jewish and democratic
character of the State of Israel, and to trace the divisions that have accompanied the country
since its establishment in an attempt to understand future developments. We will use Israeli cinema
as a visual means of observing the rifts that have characterized Israeli society for six decades.


Course requirements: active participation in class, reading all the material in the bibliography,
attendance. At the end of the semester there will be a home test. (100%)




Lesson 1: Israeli Society - Introduction

Lesson 2: The Figure of the Pioneer in 1930s Cinema

·        Oded the Wanderer (Oded Hanoded) (Chaim Halachmi, 1932)

·        This Is the Land (Zot Hi Haaretz) (Baruch Agadati, 1935)

·        Labor (Avodah) (Helmer Lersky, 1934)

Lesson 3: The Figure of the Holocaust Survivor

·        Faithful City (Kirya Ne’emana) (Joseph Leytes, 1952)

·        Hill 24 Does not Answer (Giva 24 Aina Onah) (Thorold Dickinson, 1954)

Lesson 4: Immigrant Absorption

·        Salah Shabati (Ephraim Kishon, 1964)

·        Kazablan (Menahem Golan, 1973)

·        Late Marriage (Hatuna Meuheret) (Dover Kosashvili , 2004)

Lesson 5: The Second Generation

·        Aviya’s Summer (Hakayitz Shel Avia) (Eli Cohen, 1988)

·        Walk on Water (Lalechet Al Hamayim) (Eytan Fox, 2004)

·        Metallic Blues (Dan Verete, 2004)

Lesson 6:  Ultra-Orthodox Society

·        Ushpizin (Gidi Dar, 2004)

·        The Secrets (Ha Sodot) (Avi Nesher, 2006)


Lesson 7: The Periphery

·        Turn Left at the End of the World (Sof Ha’olam Smola) (Avi Nesher, 2004)

·        Aviva, My Love (Aviva Ahuvati) (Shemi Zarchin, 2006)

·        The Band's Visit (Bikur Ha Tizmoret) (Eran Kolirin , 2007)

Lesson 8: The “Settlers”

·        Campfire (Medurat Hashevet) (Joseph Cedar, 2004)

Lesson 9: Bereavement

·        Late Summer Blues (Blues Lahofesh Hagadol) (Renen Schore, 1987)

·        Beaufort (Joseph Cedar, 2007)

·        Waltz with Bashir (Vals Im Bashir) (Ari Folman, 2008)

Lesson 10: Israeli Arabs

·        Hamsin (Daniel Wachsmann, 1982)

·        The Syrian Bride (Hakala Hasurit) (Eran Riklis, 2004)

·        Ajami (Yaron Shani and Scandar Copti, 2009)

Lesson 11: Migrant Workers

·        James’ Journey to Jerusalem (Massa'ot James Be'eretz Hakodesh) (Ra'anan Alexandrowicz,
2003)

·        Noodle (Ayelet Menahemi, 2007)


Lesson 12: Israeli Society: Where is it Headed?