Two Israeli films that deal with relationships between Israelis and Palestinians were recognized at the Berlin International Film Festival, which ended Feb. 19.
The top Berlin Today Award went to the humorous short film “Batman at the Checkpoint” by Rafael Balulu. The 10-minute film was one of five finalists for the award, which goes to films produced in Berlin, though they may be filmed elsewhere.
“Batman at the Checkpoint” features 6-year-old Yuval, an Israeli, and his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud, who are stuck with their parents in traffic at a checkpoint outside Jerusalem. The two cars sit side by side, and eventually the children get out and end up play fighting over a plastic Batman doll in an impromptu game of hide and seek.
A Caligari Film Prize honorable mention went to “Bagrut Lochamim” (“Soldier/Citizen”) by Silvina Landsmann. The sobering documentary follows young Israelis completing high school education after military service. — jta