FROM ISRAEL   WINNER: BEST FILM, TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

MY FATHER, MY LORD

(Hofshat Kaits)

SHOWTIMES

 

An intimate and deeply disturbing story of the conflict between a father’s love and his deep devotion to religion, My Father My Lord is the extraordinary debut of Israeli filmmaker David Volach, and winner of the top prize for Best Narrative Feature at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. Legendary Israeli thespian Assi Dayan gives a devastating performance as an ultra-Orthodox rabbi whose rigid application of religious tenets takes an exacting toll on his family. Framed as a variation on the Biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, the story revolves around the interrelationships forged – largely in consecrated silence – amongst the Rabbi Eidelman (Dayan), his wife (Sharon Hacohen Bar), and their only child, Menachem (Elan Griff). In tones reverential and scathing, director Volach draws upon his own upbringing as one of 19 children raised in an ultra-Orthodox family. Magnificently acted and beautifully photographed, My Father My Lord captivates from its haunting opening to the powerful conclusion.

Israel, 2007, 73 min., color, Hebrew with English subtitles