What’s happening:
The 25th Jerusalem Jewish Film Week is celebrating the work of French-Jewish filmmaker Alexandre Arcady, culminating in the Israeli premiere of his latest movie, Once Upon a Time in Algeria.
Why it matters:
Arcady’s films, which frequently explore themes of Jewish identity and history, resonate deeply with audiences, especially in Israel. This tribute comes at a time when Israel faces security challenges and reflects a solidarity with the country’s cultural and historical narrative.
The tribute:
Alongside the premiere of his new movie, Arcady’s 1991 film Pour Sacha is also being showcased. Both films are personal to Arcady and reflect his experiences and Jewish heritage.
Arcady’s reflections:
In light of the recent October 7 massacre, Arcady expresses his shock and solidarity with Israel, emphasizing the importance of his presence at the film week during these difficult times.
The films:
Pour Sacha tells the story of Parisian students on a kibbutz during the Six-Day War, starring Sophie Marceau. Once Upon a Time in Algeria is a semi-autobiographical tale exploring Arcady’s childhood in Algeria amidst political turmoil.
Arcady’s connection to Israel:
Arcady shares his personal history with Israel, having lived on a kibbutz and experienced the Six-Day War. These life events inspired his storytelling and connection to Israeli culture and history.
Impact of antisemitism:
Despite the rise of antisemitism in France, Arcady believes in the enduring contribution of French Jews to the arts. However, he does not shy away from addressing the challenges, including the alleged ‘boycott’ of his latest film by some distributors due to the Middle East conflict.
Looking ahead:
Arcady expresses enthusiasm for Israeli television series and is open to the idea of creating new work in Israel, pending the right inspiration for a film project.
Cultural significance:
The celebration of Arcady’s work underscores the importance of film as a medium for understanding and preserving Jewish history and identity, especially in times of adversity.
This story was first published on jpost.com.