Berlin-Jerusalem

Directed by Amos Gitai

Gitai explores the Zionist dream turned harsh reality in the story of two pioneers to the Promised Land. Else Lasker-Schüler (Kreuzer) is a German expressionist poet, and Tania Shocat (Neuman) a Russian revolutionary who leaves for Palestine. Later, as Hitler ascends to power, Else must flee her beloved Berlin for Jerusalem. The film alternates between the steamy cafes of Berlin and the arid hills near Jerusalem and compares the two women’s contrasting perceptions of their new home. In the process, it reduces Israel’s mythic pioneers to humans with doubts, fears and hesitation.

Duration:
89 minutes

Country of origin:
Israel

Year of production:
1989