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Synopsis
Israeli filmmaker
Eran Kolirin's debut feature, THE BAND'S VISIT, is a subtle,
heartfelt, and humane work that goes a long way toward
dissolving the incredibly complex cultural divide that
continues to plague the Middle East. When the Alexandria
Ceremonial Police Orchestra flies from Egypt to Israel to
perform at the opening of an Arab culture center, they are
left stranded at the airport. Their leader, Tewfiq (Sasson
Gabai), orders the handsome violinist, Khaled (Saleh Bakri),
to solve their predicament, but it turns out that he's
gotten the wrong information. By that time, it's too late.
All eight members are left standing alone in a quiet desert
town far from their intended destination with no way to get
where they need to go. Tired, hungry, and confused, they
find shelter at a restaurant run by the pretty but brash
Dina (Ronit Elkabetz). It's clear that Dina is bored with
her lonely life, so she talks Tewfiq into letting the band
stay over for the night: he and Khaled will stay with her,
and the others will be put up at the home of Itzik (Rubi
Moscovich). Over the course of the night, Tewfiq and Dina
bond, Khaled helps a hapless local discover his inner Romeo,
and the other band members find themselves caught up in a
domestic situation that is less than perfect. Kolirin
perfectly navigates his film's slice-of-life tone, blending
comedy and drama and poignancy without ever succumbing to
one completely. In the wrong hands, this material could turn
into a quirk-fest that parodies everyday life. Yet under
Kolirin's assured command, it becomes something that feels
like life itself. THE BAND'S VISIT is funny, lonely,
inspiring, sad, and beautiful all at once.
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