Israeli Film Festival

Here is a photo of Arab Israeli actor, Salim Daw, and myself, taken after the final screening of the last movie of Mumbai's Israeli Film Festival. The Israeli Film Festival, was headed by Shirin, the RIG fellow here, and organized and run together as a joint project with the Israeli Consulate in India.

The Israeli Film festival opened in Mumbai following Yom Haatzmaut, Israel's 58th Independence Day. On opening night, May 4th 2006, about five hundred of Mumbai's Jewish, Israeli, Diplomatic, Filmi, and Business communities gathered to celebrate Israel and attend the screening of the internationally acclaimed film, "James' Journey to Jerusalem". Award winning Actor and Director, Salim Daw, who played one of the leading roles in this film, presented the movie and answered questions on Israeli society, Arab Israeli conflict and Israel's future.

The Director of the EPJCC and the Israeli Consulate General in Mumbai opened the festival, which was a joint effort between these two organizations. The weekend included screenings of six highly acclaimed Israeli films at different locations throughout the city. Three receptions, catered by famed Bombay chef, Moshe Shek, served 'A Taste of Israel', with traditional Israeli falafel, hummus and tabbouli, following the Israeli films.

The festival also brought together many within the different communities involved. Johnny Penkar, sixteen year old Indian Jewish volunteer with the festival, worked tirelessly and was present at every single event. He was also at our workplace evry day prior to the festival, helping out with anything and everything. Johnny loved the recent Israeli film, Walk On Water. "The film 'Walk On Water' was best- there was truth in the movie, and it was very well acted by all the heroes and heroines." He continues, "[this is] the first time in India I have seen a Jewish Movie. The festival was very good and we should have more opportunities like this. And I will be happy to volunteer!"

Now that a few days have passed I look back on this accomplishment with amazement. My Indian Jewish (and non-Jewish) friends have seen Israeli movies in Mumbai, The Israeli crowd here has hadopportunityoppurtuinty to mesh with many others, youAmericanld amEuropeannex-patspean expats alike had a chance to see a different side of Israel than that on CNN, and all have tasted delicious authentic Israeli food. In India!

Also, numerous Indian newspapers covered the stories, interviewed Salim Daw, an Arab Israeli actor and director. "Avanti Popolo", classic Israeli film about the Six Day war in 1967 was shown in a Mumbai resteraunt; Current Israeli hit ' Bonjour Monsiour Shlomi' was shown in a popular "Mocha" Cafe. On top of all this, the Indian Jewish youth volunteers have had a tremendous experience due to this festival. Their assistance was unbeatable. The volunteers were an incredible part of this festival, making everything run smoothly, enjoying themselves all the while. The energy and the excitement, the happiness- tapping into this energy, witnessing it inspire and motivate people to help out and work together is something that drives the continuation of my work here, and is something I hope to recreate in my future work, wherever it brings me. May the Israeli Indian connection last and may there be more of all this to come, soon, to a theatre near you :)