opening night gala
Drama
BLISS
חמדה
About the film
7pm Reception | 7:45pm Festival's introduction & feature screening
Sassi and Efi, a hardworking couple, are doing their best to overcome the debt left by Sasai's son when he moved to Brussels. Despite their age difference, their love and humor keep them grounded, helping them face life's challenges with strength. However, when two young men—Omri, Sassi's kind-hearted yet hormonal grandson, and David, Efi's former student—enter their lives, their peaceful routine is shaken, and their bond is put to the test.
Eighteen years after Aviva, My Love, Sasson Gabai and Asi Levi reunite with director Shemi Zarhin to deliver a story filled with humor, heart, and tenderness. This charming love story touches on themes of relationships, family, and loyalty, offering a bittersweet yet hopeful reflection on the social realities of today.
Followed by Q&A with Shemi Zarhin, director & Sasson Gabay, actor
CAST AND CREW
year: 2024 duration: 125 MIN language: HEBREW AND ARABIC WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES director: SHEMI ZARHIN writer: SHEMI ZARHIN producers: MOSHE EDERY, LEON EDERY cast: SASSON GABAY, ASI LEVI, MAOR LEVI, ADI ALON, SHADI MAR'I, LITAL SCHARTZ, ROY ASSAF
MEET our guests
Q&A with Sasson Gabay - actor
Sasson Gabay, one of Israel's most celebrated actors, is known for his roles in The Band’s Visit and his international acclaim. Born in Baghdad in 1947, he immigrated to Israel as a child. Gabay has worked across film, television, and Broadway, earning awards and recognition for his versatility, and continues to be a major figure in Israeli and global cinema.
Q&A with Shemi Zarhin - director
Shemi Zarhin is an acclaimed Israeli filmmaker and novelist, known for successful films like Passover Fever, Dangerous Acts, Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi, Aviva My Love, The World is Funny, The Kind Words, and Silent. His bestselling novel Some Day has been published internationally.
Roy Assaf – actor
Roy is a Theater, film and television actor. He is one of the leading and most acclaimed actors in Israeli. Has twice won the Israeli film academy award for Best actor. Won the Israeli theater award. Among the films he has acted in are: 'God's Neighbors', 'Matchmaking', 'Bliss', 'Wounded land', 'Art of waiting' 'Wedding Doll', 'The Kind Words', , 'Children of nobody', 'Mary Magdalene', 'Jaffa', And more... "Cabaret Total" is his directorial debut.
