Israeli Cinema

Israel is a land of conflicts: Arab/Jew; religious/secular; Right/Left; European/"Oriental." From a strong leftist perspective, Shohat discusses how the small Israeli cinema has reflected these realities since its first features in 1933. It was 20 years until another feature appeared; the first to gain international recognition was 1955's Hill 24 Doesn't Answer. Shohat, analyzing a handful of films, demonstrates how the cinema has thematically evolved from its simplistic origins in the "pioneer" period. This is apparently the first in-depth study of Israeli film, but there remains a need for a more general overview and complete filmography, which this lacks.
- Roy Liebman, California State Univ. Lib., Los Angeles

Cinema