Midday Movies: Bliss

Screening followed by discussion with Hannah Goldstein, LMSW, JCS Clinical Outpatient Therapist.

About the Film
Sassi (73) and Effi (50) spend their days frantically running from job to job in a seemingly futile attempt to pay back the enormous gambling debt left behind by Sassi’s son. They somehow overcome all the daily obstacles in their lives – the grueling work schedule, their obvious age gap, and Sassi’s impotency (a result of prostate surgery) – with love and humor. But when two young men burst back into their home and work space, breaking their fragile carefully crafted schedule, the limits of their love (and humor) will be tested like never before.

One of Israel’s most prominent filmmakers, Shemi Zarhin is presenting us with a moving, tender and wise love story. We follow the life of a couple whose extreme love for each other and their family transcends social norms, financial struggles, and past mistakes. Set in the Galilee (northern Israel) during winter, and shot before the war broke out, the film tackles Israeli reality in an original, human, illuminating way. Featuring actors Sasson Gabay and Assi Levy, both nominated for Ophir Awards for their performances.

Award Winner
Audience Award, SFBA Film Critics Circle Award – San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Audience Award – Paris Israeli Film Festival

[ Drama | Israel | 2024 | 125 mins | Hebrew, Arabic, with English subtitles | Dir: Shemi Zarhin ]

Part of Midday Movies: Food, Flicks & Friends, a film appreciation series exploring films of Jewish interest, with enlightening discussions with filmmakers and scholars and casual conversation with other film enthusiasts. Kosher lunch provided.

Presented by the William & Irene Weinberg Family Baltimore Jewish Film Institute