Breaking Bread
Beth Elise Hawk | US, 2020 | English/Hebrew (English subtitles) | Documentary | 85m | IMDB | Distributor/Sales: Gemini Girls Productions | Festival marketing sample: JMJFF 2020 | Trailer
Description: Dr. Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, a Muslim Arab who won the Israeli Master Chef competition, founded the A-Sham ‘Leventine’ food festival which brings chefs from the Arab (Muslim, Christian and Druze) and Jewish sectors to collaborate in a number of Haifa restaurants every December. Besides Atamna-Ismaeel the film features other interesting chefs including a Jewish/Arab couple, an Alawite Muslim from the Golan heights and another Arab from Acre who opened a restaurant in Tel Aviv. We see them working together with Jewish Haifa restauranteurs on some creations specifically for the festival.
Merits: Most of the participants, led by Atmana-Ismaeel, are highly articulate and offer interesting perspectives on their life in Israel. While a few voice the expected platitudes regarding Jewish/Arab relations, Hawk’s excellent editing keeps hokum to a minimum. Her judicious use of slow and fast motion, exquisite food preparation cinematography and a lively score ensures an exciting and entertaining viewing experience. It made me want to rush to Haifa for the next festival.
Rating: Suitable for all audiences.
Programming considerations: As modern Israeli cuisine is featured, consider an event in conjunction with a local restauranteur. For example, in the UK, I might approach Yotam Ottolenghi.