Yuval Adler’s directorial debut, the political thriller Bethlehem will participate in Venice Days at the Venice Film Festival which will take place from August 28 – September 7, 2013. The independent event, emulating Canne’s Director’s Fortnight, was established in 2004 to highlight quality filmmaking, with an emphasis on innovation and independence. While Venice Days is a non-competitive section of the festival, the participating films are also eligible for festival awards.
Bethlehem was co-written by Yuval Adler and journalist Ali Waked following their research of the volatile subject. The film focuses on the relationship between Razi (Tzachi Halevy), an Israeli Secret Service Officer, and his informant Sanfur (Shadi Mar’i), a Palestinian teenager. Razi recruited Sanfur when he was just 15 years old, and has cultivated the relationship ever since, developing an emotional connection to the youth. Now 17, Sanfur is torn between his commitment to Razi and his loyalty to his brother, Ibrahim (Tarik Kopty), a Palestinian militant. When the Israeli Secret Service discovers Sanfur’s involvement in his brother’s activities, both Razi and Sanfur are faced with a dilemma: each must choose sides, once and for all.
Bethlehem was produced by Pie Films, and will be released in Israeli theatres on September 26, 2013.
The full Venice Days lineup:
“Alienation,” Milko Lazarov (Bulgaria)
“La Belle Vie,” Jean Denizot (France)
“Bethlehem,” Yuval Adler (Israel)
“Gerontophilia,” Bruce LaBruce (Canada)
“Traitors,” Sean Gullette (Morocco/U.S.)
“Kill Your Darlings,” John Krokidas (U.S.)
“Nobody’s Home,” Deniz Akcay (Turkey)
“May In The Summer,” Cherien Dabis (U.S., Qatar, Jordan)
“La Mia Classe,” Daniele Gaglianone (Italy)
“La Reconstruccion,” Juan Taratuto (Argentina)
“Rigor Mortis,” Juno Mak (Hong Kong)
“Siddharth,” Richie Mehta (India,Canada)
Women’s Tales Project (Shorts) in collaboration with Miu Miu
“The Door,” Ava DuVernay (Italy,U.S.)
“Le Donne Della Vucciria,” Hiam Abbas (Italy,France)
