What’s it about
Asaf Saban, the acclaimed Israeli writer/director, brings to light the poignant reality of high-school trips to death camps in Poland with his film, “Delegation.” The film highlights the quintessentially Israeli rite of passage by capturing the emotional and psychological complexities faced by 17-year-olds during these historic site visits. The movie, which opened recently, provides a compelling, introspective look at the lives of Israeli teens on this transformative journey.
Why it matters
Saban’s portrayal taps into a broader cultural narrative that is deeply ingrained in Israeli society, emphasizing how these trips shape the youth’s connection to their heritage and the profound impact of remembering the Holocaust. His balanced approach, which neither sensationalizes nor trivializes the characters or their experiences, offers a nuanced perspective that has resonated within and beyond Israeli cinema, securing international accolades.
The finer details
Saban emphasizes that capturing the nuances of such trips rather than an idealized portrayal was paramount. “Delegation” navigates the characters’ youthful struggles with sensitivity, through relatable figures like the sensitive Frisch, the seemingly composed yet troubled Nitzan, and the brash extrovert Ido.
The emotional depth
The film uniquely unveils the built-in emotional fabric of these trips through group discussions encouraging expressions of intense emotions, as illustrated by Yosef, a Holocaust survivor accompanying the class. His heartfelt yet rambling recounting of personal history starkly contrasts with the structured narrative expected by the trip leaders, offering deep, authentic moments of connection and sorrow.
Award-winning film
The screenplay’s mastery and the ensemble’s performance won prestigious accolades, such as the Anat Pirchi Best Screenplay Award at the Jerusalem Film Festival and a special award at the Warsaw Film Festival in Poland, indicating the universal resonance and artistic excellence of the film.
Personal touch
Drawing from his own experiences as a teen on such trips, Saban encapsulates the inherent emotional complexity and varying student reactions, all while respecting the historical gravity of the Holocaust. His thoughtful reflection transcends mere historical retelling, delving into the personal and collective memory of Israeli society.
Authenticity over dramatization
Saban meticulously balances the ethical considerations of creating drama centered on the Holocaust, ensuring the narrative focuses on genuine interactions and effects, rather than exploiting the backdrop for mere emotional manipulation. Characters confronting small, ordinary troubles against the immense historical tragedy add greater depth to the storyline.
A profound reflection
By portraying characters like the grandfather who struggles to meet the trip’s emotional demands, Saban invites viewers to grapple with their own expectations and authentic responses. This approach affirms the deeply human nature of the recounting, echoing the true voices of historic figures like Anne Frank and Etty Hillesum, whose personal expressions endure across ages.
This story was first published on jpost.com.