ODESSA ODESSA (PG)
Dir: Michaele Boganim; France & Israel, 2004, 1hr:42mins, Col

On a circular path from Odessa in the Ukraine via NY and Israel and returning once more to Odessa, Michale Boganim explores the meaning of 'home', capturing the lives of three groups of Russian Jews.

All three communities dream of an idealised vision of Odessa; on Odessa's deserted streets elderly residents reminisce about happier times before WWII while the exiled Jews in New York attempt to recreate the vibrancy of their former home on the Brighton Beach Boardwalk.

Even the Odessans in Ashdod who have reached 'the promised land' find their situation wanting - wheras in Russia they were considered Jews, in Israel they will forever be labelled Russians.

Using memory, music and stunning cinematography, the director paints a thoughtful portrait of the soul of the Jewish people, exploring with sensitivity the notion of exile, displacement and the disappointment that the diaspora continues wherever they settle.

Best Director Award, Jerusalem Film Festival; Louis Marcorelles Award, Cinéma du Réel, Paris; CICAE Award, Berlinale; Best Soundtrack, Oneworld Human Rights Film Festival, Prague.

Edinburgh Filmhouse - 25th October 2007
Dundee Centre for Contemporary Arts - 23rd November 2007