"Africa", the award - winning debut film by screenwriter Oren Garner, is another small and excellent Israeli film that will be released after a long waiting period originating in Corona.
Now you too can finally watch it, and I think it's a worthwhile deal.
Also because it's a beautiful and moving work that manages to say some clever and effective things about aging, but also, and most importantly, because there's something inspiring about the way Garner manages to execute his humble and very personal family project and make it universal and empathetic.
At the center of the story is Meir, a 60-year-old retiree (Meir Garner, an unprofessional actor and the director's father).
Meir lives in a small town in the center of the country with his wife, Mia (Mia Garner, the director's mother), and tries to get used to the fact that his good days are probably behind him.
He is no longer at the peak of his power, because of an examination, and in general, his life seems to be in general retreat.
Thus, for example, he receives a laconic message that he is no longer needed to set up the stage in honor of the annual ceremony marking the establishment of the settlement, after 30 years in which he did so.
On top of that, his older children pay him far less attention than before, and his health condition is not something either.
Meanwhile, Meir sinks into melancholy.
He misses the sense of transcendence that enveloped him when he recently visited Africa with his wife.
The trip, it seems, left a deep impression on him, and is a stark contrast to the gray and dwindling routine that makes up his life.
It's really not hard to understand why he so wants to go back there.
On the face of it not much is happening in "Africa", but in fact there is a whole world here.
Garner's tight and so precise script shows Meyer's world from all angles and directions.
He knows exactly where to place the camera and how to get the most out of his simple photography sites, and he understands well how to create suspense and interest and how to evoke emotion.
Garner Sr., for his part, turns out to be a pretty talented player.
Despite his sullen nature, his minimalist and paperless appearance evokes empathy and leaves a mark, and the last whip of the film, which brings Meir's journey to its surprising emotional climax, is a true flashback that will not soon be forgotten.
A smart movie.
Sad movie.
A movie that will make you want to hug your parents as tightly as you can.
"Africa", Israel 2019
Score: 8
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