Cabaret Total

Saturday 10th May, 20:30, Charlotte Street Hotel

Followed by a Q&A with director and lead actor Roy Assaf.

In this gripping satire and surrealist film, Asi returns from war to a small theatre in his hometown. In front of a small audience, he performs in a naive cabaret show. In the mornings he is a drama teacher at the local high school. He becomes the public enemy after a video taken in the classroom, in which he shares the ordeal from the battlefield, goes viral. He is fired and fires back in his cabaret, attacking Israeli society and government.

Pink Lady

Monday 12th May, 19:30, JW3

The film follows a young modern woman’s journey to self-discovery and liberation, in a touching and uplifting comedy drama.

In an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem, Bati has a seemingly perfect life. She is happily married to Lazer and the young couple have three children. But their world starts to crumble when Lazer is blackmailed and Bati discovers his secret affair with his male study partner. Desperate to protect her family and keep the man she loves, she supports Lazer as he attempts to “cure” his homosexuality, whilst uncovering her true desires.

After “Here we are” (Cannes 2020, Official Selection), Nir Bergman (writer of “In Treatment”) follows a young modern woman’s journey to self-discovery and liberation, in a touching and uplifting comedy drama.

Eid

Thursday 15th May, 20:30, JW3

In this film, a young man from Rahat with dreams of becoming a playwright secretly writes a play based on the sexual assault he experienced as a child. He finds solace in a long-distance relationship with a married actress in Paris, but when his family arranges a marriage for him, his life takes an unexpected turn. Trapped between tradition and his own desires, Eid strikes a risky bargain with his new wife: a child in exchange for freedom. But when a trip to Paris to see his lover ends in disappointment, he must confront his past and find his own voice.

Starring Shadi Mari (“Fauda”, “Our Boys”), who won an Israeli Academy Award for his role.  This is the first feature film ever made by a Bedouin filmmaker and offers an invaluable and insightful exploration of Bedouin culture while telling a universal, layered story of oppression, self-reclamation, and the search for freedom.

Come Closer

Thursday 15th May, 20:30 – 22:30, Curzon Soho

In this poignant drama, a young woman’s life is shattered when her beloved younger brother dies in a tragic accident. Consumed by grief, Eden takes increasingly desperate measures to fill the void left by her brother’s absence. Her journey takes a passionate and dangerous turn when she discovers her brother has a secret girlfriend.

With stunning cinematography, a talented cast who deliver compelling performances that elevate the film and a haunting soundtrack, the film offers a captivating exploration of the depths of grief and the lengths we’ll go to hold onto those we’ve lost. As Eden navigates the complexities of love, loss and obsession, viewers are taken on a powerful and unforgettable journey that will linger long after the credits roll.

Come Closer earned 12 nominations at the 2024 Ophir Awards, winning Best Film, Best Leading Actress, Best Director, and Best Editing. It also took home the Best First Film Award at the Jerusalem Film Festival and triumphed at the Tribeca Film Festival in the Viewpoints category, celebrating bold independent voices. In November 2024, Variety named director Tom Nesher one of their “10 Directors to Watch for 2025.”