Israeli Society through Modern Films (In English)

Though Israel is often in the news, most people know little of its vibrant popular culture, or how its cultural products offer the nation an opportunity to represent itself to itself in surprising and thoughtful ways. In this course we will examine Israeli culture, society, and history through contemporary Israeli cinema. The films address such themes as the experiences of Holocaust survivors and new immigrants, relationships among Israeli Jews from different origins, army service, life both in the kibbutz and the city, and the Israeli-Arab conflict. Focus will be on films that have enjoyed both popular and critical success in Israel such as Waltz with Bashir, Beyond the Sea, and Sweat Mud.