Celebrate Israel with four free films by iconic filmmakers
Celebrate Israel through the lens of art and culture, specifically focused on the films of two award-winning Israeli film makers, Dina Zvi-Riklis and her husband Eran Riklis. Although the Riklis' have worked together on some projects, each has their own style, perspective and interests, which is reflected in their films. Since its early foray into the film industry, Israel has established a vibrant culture of cinematography, supporting over 10 film schools and a number of international film festivals, and JCC Chicago is proud to share these films in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.
The community is invited to watch these four films, two each by these iconic filmmakers, over the course of four weeks, from May 2 - June 1. Then meet the filmmakers virtually at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 30 to hear about the making of the films, their careers in Israel and what inspires each of them in their work.
While each of the films reflects different themes and periods of time, interestingly they are all narratives featuring strong women protagonists. Representing the work of Dina Zvi-Riklis are two films that reflect her interest in the immigrant experience. Three Mothers is a drama about triplets - three beautiful women born in Egypt in the early 40s to Jewish parents, whose family is forced to leave their homeland and are now living together as adults in Israel. Their story is filled with love and deceit, with an underlying theme of longing for something that is lost. The film received nine nominations for Israeli Academy Awards. (Available to stream from May 9 - 11.) The Fifth Heaven, also a drama, is based upon the award-winning book by Rachel Eytan. In the summer of 1944, 13 year-old Maya's father leaves her in an orphanage in Palestine, while it is under the British Mandate. It's a film about the beginnings of Israeli society. (Available to Stream from May 29 - June 1.)
Lemon Tree, from Eran Riklis, is based upon a true story about an Israeli Supreme Court case. This film is about the three people who are intimately involved in this dispute, especially the Palestinian woman who is the owner of a lemon grove and the wife of the Israeli Defense Minister. (Available to stream May 2 - May 4.) Shelter, the second Eran Riklis film, is also a study of two women - a retired Mossad agent and the Lebanese informant that she is brought back to protect. (Available to stream May 2 - May 4.)
The films are available to screen virtually for 72 hours each and there is no cost to view them. For more information on the films or to register, interested parties can visit the JCC Chicago website at jccchicago.org/chicago-loves-israel/. And sign up for our monthly newsletter, Chai Life, to hear about all the upcoming films, talks and tours we offer at JCC Chicago: go.jccchicago.org.