List of Israeli films of 1997

In 1997, the Israeli film industry saw the release of several notable films that contributed to the country's cinematic landscape. These films covered a range of themes, including social issues, identity, and the complexities of Israeli life.

One of the prominent releases that year was Saint Clara (Clara Hakedosha), directed by Ori Sivan and Ari Folman. Based on the novel The Ideas of Saint Clara by Czech author Pavel Kohout, the film is set in 1999 and follows a 13-year-old girl, Clara, who possesses supernatural abilities to predict the future. The film explores themes of youth rebellion and the conflict between secularism and mysticism. Saint Clara received critical acclaim, winning multiple Israeli Film Academy Awards, including Best Film, and gaining international recognition at various film festivals.

Another notable release was A Matter of Size (Sipur Gadol), directed by Sharon Maymon and Erez Tadmor. The film presents a comedic yet heartfelt narrative about a group of overweight Israelis who challenge societal norms by embracing sumo wrestling. The film offered a fresh perspective on body positivity and acceptance, resonating with audiences through its blend of humor and social commentary.

Yana's Friends (Hachaverim Shel Yana), directed by Arik Kaplun, also debuted in 1997. Set during the Gulf War in the early 1990s, the film tells the story of Yana, a young Russian immigrant in Israel, as she navigates the challenges of integrating into Israeli society. The film explores themes of immigration, identity, and the emotional struggles faced by new immigrants. Yana's Friends received praise for its sensitive portrayal of immigrant life in Israel and became a significant work in the depiction of the immigrant experience.

The Israeli films of 1997 reflected the industry's growing focus on exploring diverse themes, including societal tensions, personal identity, and the immigrant experience. These releases marked a period of creative expansion in Israeli cinema, as filmmakers continued to address both contemporary and historical issues through their work.

1997 releases

Unknown premiere date

Premiere	Title	Director	Cast	Genre	Notes	Ref
?	Overture 1812 (Hebrew: פתיחה 1812)	Menashe Noy	Ami Smolartchik, Tinkerbell, Juliano Mer, Keren Mor	Drama, Action, Comedy		^[1]
?	Campaign (Hebrew: קמפיין)	Shmuel Hasfari	Alon Aboutboul, Hana Azoulay-Hasfari, Shmil Ben Ari, Yisrael Poliakov	Drama		^[2]
?	Minotaur (Hebrew: מינוטאור)	Jonathan Tammuz	Mili Avital, Dan Turgeman, Georges Corraface	Romance, Thriller	Israeli-American co-production	^[3]
?	Mar Baum (Hebrew: מר באום, lit. "Mr. Baum")	Assi Dayan	Assi Dayan, Shira Geffen	Comedy, Drama		^[4]
?	Beep (Hebrew: ביפ)	Amit Hecht	Keren Mor, Menashe Noy, Dafna Rechter	Comedy, Drama		^[5]
?	Afula Express (Hebrew: עפולה אקספרס)	Julie Shles	Zvika Hadar, Esti Zakheim, Aryeh Moskona, Orli Perl	Comedy, Drama, Romance		^[6]
?	No Names on the Doors (Hebrew: אין שמות על הדלתות)	Nadav Levitan	Hava Alberstein, Mosko Alkalai, Avi Pnini	Drama		^[7]

Awards

Ophir Award

Wolgin Award

References

^ "Overture 1812".
^ "Campaign".
^ "Minotaur".
^ "Mar Baum".
^ "Beep".
^ "Afula Express". 3 December 1998.
^ "Ein Shemot al Hadlatot". 2 February 1997.

External links

Israeli films of 1997 at the Internet Movie Database

[1] "Overture 1812".

[2] "Campaign".

[3] "Minotaur".

[4] "Mar Baum".

[5] "Beep".

[6] "Afula Express". 3 December 1998.

[7] "Ein Shemot al Hadlatot". 2 February 1997.

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