New Israeli Film, Kissufim, Now Available on Netflix

Kissufim 77, directed by Keren Nechmad, is a coming-of-age film, set in 1977, just when Sadat came to Jerusalem and extends his hand in peace. 

After their military service, the Kibbutz Kissufim Garin Nahal members return to the kibbutz for a few months of service. 

The kibbutz is located on the border with the Gaza strip and was violently attacked by Hamas terrorists on October 7^th, 2023.  22 persons were massacred including 6 Thai agricultural workers.  Four members of the kibbutz were taken hostage that day. Although the viewer cannot help but think about that terrible day while watching the film, the film was actually shot before October 7^th, but it is dedicated to the victims of the atrocities of that day.  In addition, the narrative takes place in 1977, so the film is actually a period piece – both in story and in style.

Yoav and Ron are friends, and are both vying for Eli’s attention.  Eli is still a virgin and is not so sure that she’s so interested.  Meanwhile, a bunch of German volunteers arrive to work on the kibbutz.  Add into that a bit of Israeli dancing, late night partying, and visits to the Gaza beach.  There is also one flashback to their army service, when all the guys were on a patrol, waiting on a hill for an enemy unit.  As the enemy passes by, Yoav decides not to engage.  Was he a coward or was it the right decision?

The young members of the group are given a number of rules – no fraternizing between boys and girls; no taking food out of the dining hall; no taking kibbutz vehicles off the kibbutz.  Needless to say, they succeed in breaking all the rules!  There is the inevitable pairing off, drinking, partying, jealousies and the dangers of living on a border kibbutz. 

Kissufim 77 is a film that takes us back to when kibbutzim were actually kibbutzim and there was hope that because peace with Egypt had arrived, perhaps we would be able to live in peace with our neighbors.

 

 

Highway 65 Premieres at the Jerusalem Film Festival

Highway 65 (כביש הסרגל) directed by Maya Dreifuss, is a captivating and forceful thriller.  It is a story of how one police detective, conscientious and persistent, can make a difference.  

Dafna is a police detective working in Afula in the Galilee.  She’s a quirky and compelling character, 41 years old, single and, as is so typical in Israel, she is often asked why she doesn’t have any children.  She’s quite assertive in her detecting manner, asking questions right to the point, not beating around the bush.  You might say she has a big mouth and often puts her foot in it!  This is what got her transferred from her police detective position in Tel Aviv and sent to Afula (a real demotion) where she is now working on petty crimes.

When an Arab teen is found with a cellphone that belongs to a local woman named Orly, Dafna is tasked with trying to locate her.   Orly, however, cannot be found.  She is a military widow and she has been living with her in-laws who are very important people in the local business scene.  The question becomes why hasn’t anyone reported her missing?  Dafna is bothered by the apparent indifference to Orly’s fate all around her.  All of this comes together to make this a case which should perhaps be handled with kid gloves.  But Dafna rushes ahead, haunted by how she identifies with the apparent victim, suspecting and butting heads with everyone.

At the Jerusalem Film Festival this week, Highway 65 won an Honorable Mention in the category of best Israeli feature film. According to the judges: “We were impressed by the courage it took, especially in this country, to turn a bereaved mother into a murderer. Sometimes, the very, non-glamorous local resonates and this film with its excellent cast, is both very local and universal.”

Highway 65 is distributed by MK2 or Go2Films.