"Fill the Void", dir. Rama Burhstein, 2012.

The life of Haredim (the God-fearing), shown from an uncommon and rare perspective – by a filmmaker who is herself a member of the community. The story of 18-year-old Shira, her matchmaking and marriage, and her search for an own way amid the community’s expectations. Rama Burhstein proposes to look at religion not a set of restrictions, but rather as a space in which a woman can find true fulfillment.  

The film was the Israeli candidate to the Academy Awards in 2012. It received several Ophir Awards, including for best feature film and best female role.

"Individual and Community. Images of Jewish Orthodoxy" film cycle

We will use the period of Christian and Jewish holidays to reflect on the conflict between religious precepts and individual desires – as portrayed in audacious Israeli films.