ARGAMAN PROJECT
29.05.2022
DOCAVIV INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL and MOVIE “40 STEPS”
May 29th, 2022 – Tel Aviv and Central Region
We watched the screening of the film "40 Steps" about a school for refugees and secular Israeli children, which was opened opposite a religious Jewish school in the south of Tel Aviv. The directors of these schools are real heroes, caring and loving the children and their work. After the film we met with the directors of the film and discussed the deep contradictions in outlooks of these schools, the students, the families of school principals, the residents of the district, and employees of the municipality. The film does not provide solutions, but opens a window into a world of adult problems and beautiful children who must be taught by someone, somewhere. We reflected on the situation of refugees and the Jewish values of the state Israel which include chesed and humanity, and their applications and limitations.
I came to the Argaman project for a Fall meeting and stayed for three semesters. Yesterday I realized how much I have evolved. Argaman helps me to look at the country where I live from different angles, to expand my views and understandings.
Rita A.
EVENING WITH FILM DIRECTOR DANIEL SYRKIN AND DOCUMENTARY “THE IDIOT’S DREAM”
May 17th, 2022 – Tel Aviv and Central Region
We started the evening by watching the documentary movie “The Idiot’s Dream,” one of famous Israeli film director Dani Syrkin’s favorite works. It is a touching and very personal film about his relationship with his father – Lev Sirkin, a mosaic artist who was well-known throughout the Soviet Union. But he hated the USSR and was a Zionist, so moved with his family to Israel in the 1970’s. In Israel he created some beautiful mosaics but few people appreciated his work, and he faced many difficulties and disappointments. The film addresses the pursuit of dreams and happiness and fatherhood and allows viewers to see these topics in a new way. After the screening, we talked with Dani about modern Israeli cinema, the challenges that new immigrants face, and ways to get into the local film industry. We also discussed our experiences and expectations as new Olim.
This was a very good film, about life and about personal experiences which I want to see again. It's cool that, thanks to Shishi Shabbat and the Argaman project, we can just chat with a famous director and ask for his advice.
Mila N.
DOCAVIV INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL and MOVIE “40 STEPS”
May 29th, 2022 – Tel Aviv and Central Region
We watched the screening of the film "40 Steps" about a school for refugees and secular Israeli children, which was opened opposite a religious Jewish school in the south of Tel Aviv. The directors of these schools are real heroes, caring and loving the children and their work. After the film we met with the directors of the film and discussed the deep contradictions in outlooks of these schools, the students, the families of school principals, the residents of the district, and employees of the municipality. The film does not provide solutions, but opens a window into a world of adult problems and beautiful children who must be taught by someone, somewhere. We reflected on the situation of refugees and the Jewish values of the state Israel which include chesed and humanity, and their applications and limitations.
I came to the Argaman project for a Fall meeting and stayed for three semesters. Yesterday I realized how much I have evolved. Argaman helps me to look at the country where I live from different angles, to expand my views and understandings.
Rita A.
EVENING WITH FILM DIRECTOR DANIEL SYRKIN AND DOCUMENTARY “THE IDIOT’S DREAM”
May 17th, 2022 – Tel Aviv and Central Region
We started the evening by watching the documentary movie “The Idiot’s Dream,” one of famous Israeli film director Dani Syrkin’s favorite works. It is a touching and very personal film about his relationship with his father – Lev Sirkin, a mosaic artist who was well-known throughout the Soviet Union. But he hated the USSR and was a Zionist, so moved with his family to Israel in the 1970’s. In Israel he created some beautiful mosaics but few people appreciated his work, and he faced many difficulties and disappointments. The film addresses the pursuit of dreams and happiness and fatherhood and allows viewers to see these topics in a new way. After the screening, we talked with Dani about modern Israeli cinema, the challenges that new immigrants face, and ways to get into the local film industry. We also discussed our experiences and expectations as new Olim.
This was a very good film, about life and about personal experiences which I want to see again. It's cool that, thanks to Shishi Shabbat and the Argaman project, we can just chat with a famous director and ask for his advice.
Mila N.
