NOW I''M FREE
Israel, 2006, 50 Min., Video, Hebrew, English Subtitles
This documentary film covers a journey of revelation by an amateur theatre group of women and their director. At a community centre for senior citizens. The women are between the ages of 65 to 80 and are of Moroccan, Persian, Yeminite and Iraqi origin. Since most of these women were married at a young age (12-16) to older men, today they are widows. The film juxtaposes reality and scenes acted out on stage. Through theatre means the group reflect openly on their lives and tell their narrative. Gradually, their initial inhibitions subside, and they begin to enjoy acting. When the centre manager asks them to perform at the local culture centre before an audience, to raise money for the theatre to keep it from being closed down, they refuse nervous about their children''s reaction and of embarrassing them. Will the women change their minds? Will the club continue to operate? The film deals not only with the empowerment of the women, by exposing their intimate and disappearing world, it salutes a group who has always perceived itself as marginal, a group whose members suddenly realize they are capable of achieving more, now that they are free.
Director: Gadi Kviatek Producer: Yael Katzir Cinematography: Yigal Malool Editor: Rona Winer Original Music: Etty Annkri