Though born and raised in Haifa, Israel, filmmaker Amos Gitai (“Kadosh,” “Rabin: The Last Day”) had never heard of Fattoush, a popular restaurant-cum-club located in the port city. “I discovered th…
, features a diverse cast of Palestinian and Israeli actors, including Bahira Ablassi, Tom Baum, Tsahi Halevi, Makram Khoury and Amir Khoury.
“The first thing I needed to cast was the site,” says Gitai of Fattoush, a spot known for its spirit of inclusivity. “Little by little we were submerged in the atmosphere of this place, which has really a gentle reception to everybody from every origin, without any pre-judgements. You have Israelis, Palestinians, Jews, Arabs, Palestinian women who want to be with an Israeli guy, and vice versa, members of the LGBTQ community. Everyone you can expect you will find, in one night, at one club.
But “Laila in Haifa” is more than just “an homage” to Gitai’s hometown. At its core, this is a film about celebrating the differences between individuals, whether Jewish or Arab, Israeli or Palestinian, people living in a part of the world that’s fiery with political discord and ethnic tension. Fattoush is not only a “refuge” for the characters in “Laila in Haifa,” but a symbol serving as a reminder of the beauty that unfolds amidst multiculturalism.
“In Israel, every city is really distinctly different,” says Gitai. “Jerusalem is the center of all these religions fighting each other; it’s very intense and also very strong. In its own way, it’s a very powerful city. Tel Aviv is kind of hedonistic, with a lot of fun clubs and nightlife. And Haifa is more a city of tolerance, more of a mixed city.
“I like contradictions,” adds Gitai. “I am a collector of contradictions, and this film is actually full of contradictions. In ‘Laila in Haifa,’ when you expect to find hatred, what you may find is friendship.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Laila In Haifa’: Watch Debut Trailer For Amos Gitai’s Venice Competition DramaEXCLUSIVE: Here you can watch the first trailer for Israeli filmmaker Amos Gitai’s Laila In Haifa, which is set to premiere in Venice Film Festival’s Competition program today (August 8…
Read more »
‘Laila In Haifa’: Watch Debut Trailer For Amos Gitai’s Venice Competition DramaEXCLUSIVE: Here you can watch the first trailer for Israeli filmmaker Amos Gitai’s Laila In Haifa, which is set to premiere in Venice Film Festival’s Competition program today (August 8…
Read more »
‘Life Is Not About Words,’ Ana Rocha, Director of Venice Film ‘Listen,’ SaysBefore she moved to the U.K. to take an M.A. in filmmaking in 2010, Ana Rocha left behind a long and respectable acting career in her native Portugal. This year sees the first fruits of that career…
Read more »
Venice: ‘Zanka Contact’ Director Subverts Genre Moviemaking to Explore PTSDWith his feature debut, director Ismaël El Iraki presents a raucous, rock-and-roll-fueled tour through the underworld of Casablanca. Shot on 35mm and featuring a number of live performances, “Zanka…
Read more »
Regina King Is the First Black Female Director to Have a Film Selected at the Venice Film FestivalWith her directorial debut, One Night in Miami, Regina King makes history as the first Black woman director to have a film selected by the Venice Film Festival.
Read more »
Heart Radio's Vogue Williams' favourite facial is loved by Amanda Holden and David BeckhamHeart Radio's Vogue Williams revealed she achieves her glowing, flawless skin using the same facial loved by Amanda Holden and Victoria and David Beckham.
Read more »