Chichester Cinema at New Park
The Band's Visit
Bikur Ha-Tizmoret
CHICHESTER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
And the Winner for Best Foreign Film is…
A selection of the official 2007 Oscar submissions for Best Foreign Film:
The 'rejected' Israeli Submission
This charming and entertaining debut feature from writer-director Eran Kolirin not only impressed the jury in this year's Cannes Un Certain Regard section, but has won the hearts of audiences wherever it has played. It tells the story of a small Egyptian police band that comes to Israel in the early 1990s to perform at an Arab cultural centre in Petach Tikva.
When no one turns up to meet them they take matters into their own hands, but wind up stranded in the similarly named Beitha Tikva on the night of the Shabbat, with no transport expected until the following day. Fortunately Dina, the owner of the local café, takes them under her wing. During this strange and funny night, everyone comes to learn more about each other, but also about themselves.
Kolirin's lovely characterisation is well served by perfect performances, with Ronit Elkabetz striking just the right note as the outwardly assured but inwardly lonely Dina, matched by a deliciously hang-dog turn from Sasson Gabai as the starchy bandleader. Added to which, the film boasts the best roller-disco scene ever committed to celluloid! (Subtitles)
(Tickets £6)
Israel · 
France · 2006 · Eran Kolirin · 89min
