THE MATCHMAKER
A lively coming-of-age story set in 1968, when the West's 'summer of love' finally spilled into conservative Israel.
An avid reader of crime fiction, 16-year-old Arik can't believe his luck when he lands a summer job doing detective work for Yankele, a Holocaust survivor who makes his living as a matchmaker. Brushing shoulders with the strange residents of the seedy port district of Haifa, Arik quickly realises he has a lot to learn about love - especially when he meets Tamara, his rebellious cousin visiting from America.
Veteran director Avi Nesher takes us takes us back to an Israel on the cusp of change, giving us a coming-of-age story with a difference - one that touches on the personal struggles privately endured by a generation of Holocaust survivors.
MIFF recommends: Age 14+
Some adult themes, mild coarse language and sexual references
D/S Avi Nesher P David Silber, Chilick Michaeli, Avi Nesher, Moshe Edery, Leon Edery, Avraham Pirchi, Tamar Leon, Natan Caspi WS 6 Sales L Hebrew w/English subtitles TD 35mm/2010