Fresno Filmworks

June 2008

A quiet, sympathetic film about the loneliness that surrounds us.

Roger Ebert
Chigaco Sun-Times

It's a small, profoundly satisfying movie that keeps echoing long after it's over.

Ty Burr
Boston Globe

The Israeli film that's become celebrated for what it lacks — enough Hebrew to contend for the best foreign language Oscar — can now be seen and appreciated for what it has in abundance: visual wit, verbal charm and a completely droll sense of humor.

Kenneth Turan
Los Angeles Times


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Synopsis

Israeli filmmaker Eran Kolirin's debut feature, THE BAND'S VISIT, is a subtle, heartfelt, and humane work that goes a long way toward dissolving the incredibly complex cultural divide that continues to plague the Middle East. When the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra flies from Egypt to Israel to perform at the opening of an Arab culture center, they are left stranded at the airport. Their leader, Tewfiq (Sasson Gabai), orders the handsome violinist, Khaled (Saleh Bakri), to solve their predicament, but it turns out that he's gotten the wrong information. By that time, it's too late. All eight members are left standing alone in a quiet desert town far from their intended destination with no way to get where they need to go. Tired, hungry, and confused, they find shelter at a restaurant run by the pretty but brash Dina (Ronit Elkabetz). It's clear that Dina is bored with her lonely life, so she talks Tewfiq into letting the band stay over for the night: he and Khaled will stay with her, and the others will be put up at the home of Itzik (Rubi Moscovich). Over the course of the night, Tewfiq and Dina bond, Khaled helps a hapless local discover his inner Romeo, and the other band members find themselves caught up in a domestic situation that is less than perfect. Kolirin perfectly navigates his film's slice-of-life tone, blending comedy and drama and poignancy without ever succumbing to one completely. In the wrong hands, this material could turn into a quirk-fest that parodies everyday life. Yet under Kolirin's assured command, it becomes something that feels like life itself. THE BAND'S VISIT is funny, lonely, inspiring, sad, and beautiful all at once.

Written & Directed by Eran Kolirin
Israel, 2007
In English, Arabic, & Hebrew, with English subtitles
89 minutes, PG-13

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General Admission – $10
Students & Seniors – $8

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