Big title, big movies, big impact.
UCSB's very own Israeli Palestinian Film Festival grew out of a tiny film club that met weekly to watch and discuss the latest and classics of Israeli cinema. Looking for a way to dive into the societies of Israel, beyond the news and the surface facts, was the main purpose for many of the club's initial members. Many had a solid understanding of Israeli history and current events, while many others were completely new to the culture and just looking for an approachable angle.
Whatever the cause, the club spawned a similar chapter when founder Herschel Colbert arrived in Santa Barbara. While not the film major or film buff he is often thought to be, Herschel took a liking to the window into daily life that films can bring and the healthy environment that UCSB fosters for debate and the Middle East. He wanted to show fellow students "the real Israel" that he lived in, not the one spoken of by both news media and university professors.
The Chug Kolnoa - Israel Film Club (commonly called the IFC) joined forces with several on campus organizations and departments in Spring quarter 2007 to bring to UCSB the world's first and only festival dedicated to both Israeli and Palestinian cinema. The first festival spanned an entire quarter and had highlights of the composer and ensemble of the film West Bank Story and a powerful visit by director Eytan Fox and his film Walk on Water. Now planned and run entirely by a student committee, the festival enters its second year and we are determined to make it even better.
Featured Films - 2008
The Bubble - The latest from Israeli director Eytan
Fox follows three young Israelis who share an apartment in one of Tel
Aviv's hippest neighborhoods. Trying to put aside political conflicts
and focusing on their lives and loves, these progressive 20-somethings are
often accused of living in a sort of escapist bubble. Trouble arrives
when soldier reservist and music store clerk Noam falls for Palestinian Ashraf.
Beaufort - Academy Award-nominated film Beaufort tells
the story of the days leading up to Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in
2000 and the soldiers stationed at the mountaintop outpost of Beaufort,
who live under a barrage of constant attacks. Frustrated by the knowledge
that they are risking--and often losing--their lives in defense of a
fortress that will soon be abandoned, the men struggle to do their duty
while grieving for their dead comrades and preparing for the evacuation.
The Band's Visit - The Band's Visit comically tells the
story of the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra, who arrive in Israel
to play at the opening of an Arab Cultural Center. Dressed in full regalia
and observing all military police protocol, the members of the orchestra
are at a pivotal time in their careers. The film explores the themes of
cross cultural communication (often speaking with broken, non native English)
and isolation (on the part of the band, the community, and the characters).