MIDDLE EAST AND ISRAEL IN FILM:
A SUMMER FILM DISCUSSION SERIES
LED BY DR. SETH WARD
A continuation of a Spring term course at the University of Wyoming, RELI 3090: Middle East and Israel in Film. Open to all, at no charge!
We meet Tuesday evenings in June and July.
Here’s how it works:
Each week, we designate a film or TV series for viewing—on your own—before the Tuesday evening discussion.
You view the film or series on your own time. Use your own Netflix or other account, or if relevant, pay per-view streaming charges.
We get together via ZOOM at an agreed time Tuesday evenings to discuss for half an hour to an hour.
Here's the link: https://uwyo.zoom.us/j/2776081183
Next Discussion:
Tuesday, July 21, 8:30 PM: Kindergarden Teacher (2014)
Kanopy (Free from many public and university Libraries)
Nadav Lapid. This film was a hit in Israel and explores themes of culture, poetry, family and more. There was a US remake with Maggie Gyllenhall worth comparing, but we’ll discuss the Israeli film.
Tuesday, July 28, 8:30 PM: Fauda (Netflix)
Bingewatch the whole series! But, we’ll concentrate though on Season 3, episodes 1, 2 and 3.
ZOOM LINK: http://uwyo.zoom.us/j/2776081183
Registration is recommended; registrants may get updates, reminders and ZOOM invites.
Tuesday, July 21, 8:30 PM:
The Kindergarden Teacher (2014) Director: Nadav Lapid
(Kanopy, Vudu)
Kanopy is free in the University of Wyoming Library, Denver Public Library, and many other public and university libraries. Or click here for Vudu, where this film is free with an ad, or rental for a nominal fee without ads.
The Kindergarten Teacher was a hit in Israel and explores themes of culture, poetry, family and more, through a story focusing on a five year old seen as an advanced poet by his teacher, in what the NY Times reviewer called “a suspenseful, unnerving, bizarre and strangely believable plot.” Along the way it explores materialism, ethnic divisions (Ashkenazi and Sephardi) and even race, and the possibility of escaping a world seen as destroying both culture and the future. (Note: nudity and explicit sexual scenes).
A US remake with Maggie Gyllenhaal, available on Netflix, is worth comparing. It’s recommended to see it after the Israeli film. We’ll focus on the Israeli film but welcome comparisons with the remake.
JULY 28: FAUDA.
We'll focus on Season 3, episodes 1, 2, and 3.