Ajami

It is an odd experience, no doubt, listening to Arabic while reading the subtitles in German, realizing you can understand everything you are reading, when, in fact, you should be understanding this spoken language, the second spoken language of your homeland.

No one could believe that an Israeli audience will stand in line to see an Arab-spoken film. But we do, even here in Germany. So it was yesterday in Ajami’s premiere in Berlin – Israel’s third Oscar nominated film in a row. Maybe this one, developed as a collaboration between two friends, an Israeli and a Palestinian, will take the coveted statue home, to the streets of Jaffa. It would be ideal wouldn’t it? plus – it’s a damn fine film.

It’s not an easy film to watch – but what’s there to be seen is visible without any 3D glasses. All you have to do is open your eyes.