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"This opportunity is a dream": the next step of Alfie puppies Israel today

2023-01-01T15:09:59.484Z


After learning Arabic in order to direct the series "Madrasa", the actor and comedian claims: "Knowing the language is a trump card for Israelis" • "The series dismantles many bombs that we have in our heads, and can calm the spirits here", he shares


Guri Alfi has once again taken on the role of director, and this time for the series "Madrasa" (Madrasa - School), which will air this evening (Sunday) on Han Educational and Han 33. It takes place in a Jewish-Arab bilingual school, and provides a glimpse into the world where Jewish and Arab children live, study and spend time together.

"It's excellent, and dismantles a lot of bombs we have in our heads," says Alfie in an interview.

"It doesn't take itself abysmally seriously, and that's what Seyed Kashua (writer of the series, AS) knows how to do best, bring the truth simply and with humor.

For me, this opportunity to do it together with him is a dream."

I find it very challenging to direct in a language you don't speak, how did you manage?


"Unequivocally, you can't get by without the language and that's why I had to study. I studied at a 'madrasa', a free website for learning spoken Arabic. There is not a word in the text that I don't know all the meanings of and how to pronounce it. I had a dictionary that I prepared, and I went over it every morning And I knew what was important for me to say and what wasn't."

About knowing Arabic in Israel, he says: "It's a trump card for Israelis, and it's amazing to see how much it helps the speakers. All those who know Arabic - not including me, because I'm not yet a high-level speaker - have a tremendous advantage."

Do you think the series will make people want to learn?


"I wish it would be amazing. Seeing the children talk and understand each other is like a superpower in my eyes. It will do an amazing service for them and for us."

The cast of actors, photo: Finny Silok

Who is the series for?


"We aimed at everyone. There is no obscenity there and there is no below the belt or politics. It tries very hard to be its own thing. Said's children attended a bilingual school, and we had an atmosphere of what exactly would have happened at school, in the absurd moments, in the less pleasant moments and also in the funny ones ".

How was your shooting experience?


"The series in Israel have a high pace, and year after year we work harder because there is less budget. But artistically we always want more, and this gap creates two or three months of an illogical pace. Working on a series like this requires half-slaving from everyone, but on the other hand, something happened Amazing: every time we finished a scene or a shooting day, we stopped to remind ourselves of the big picture of what we are doing - and this picture is not found in other series. In my opinion, this can calm the very turbulent spirits in our country."

And finally - what about "Blackspace"?


"We are supposed to start filming in May, and even before that we will shoot the 'Massacre'."

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Source: israelhayom

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