Private (2004/I)

Director:

Saverio Costanzo

Writers:

Camilla Costanzo (writer)
Saverio Costanzo (writer)

Release Date:

14 January 2005 (Italy)

Genre:

Drama | War

Plot:

A Palestinian family is trapped inside a house commandeered by Israeli soldiers.

Plot Keywords:

Human Rights Abuse | Israeli Soldier | Palestinian | Family Relationship | Handheld Camera

Awards:

8 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Mohammed Bakri	...	Mohammad B.
Lior Miller	...	Commander Ofer
Hend Ayoub	...	Mariam B.
Tomer Russo	...	Private Eial
Areen Omari	...	Samiah B.
Marco Alsaying	...	Jamal B.
Sara Hamzeh	...	Sarah B.
Karem Emad Hassan Aly	...	Karem B.
Amir Hasayen	...	Amir B.
Niv Shafir	...	Private Dan
Sahar Lachmy	...	Private Ariel

Runtime:

90 min | Argentina:90 min (Buenos Aires Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente)

Country:

Italy

Language:

Arabic | English | Hebrew

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Switzerland:14 (canton of Zurich) | Brazil:12 | Brazil:14 (Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival) | Germany:12 | Italy:T | UK:15 | Netherlands:12 | Argentina:13 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud)

Filming Locations:

Riace, Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy

Company:

Istituto Luce

Trivia:

The movie was chosen by Italy to represent the nation for the Accademy Award best foreign movie. The Accademy refused the movie because was not performed in Italian.

Powerful and rarely told story

That a film which depicts the reality of so many actually was shown in the US is a huge shift. With a growing desire for many Americans to finally learn about the 40 year illegal occupation of Palestine and the ensuing suffering...this mild film gives a 'peek' of that reality. That ordinary families endure this and worse is not the point, but that so many still fail to comprehend is. I only wish the film got wider distribution and longer theater play time. The viewer experiences increasing tension and angst as there is no sense as to what the next crisis may be or who will be effected. Only the sense of futility and isolation remains. Those with the power continue to arbitrarily allow or end life on the spot whilst those without power can only continue to use reason and intellect to survive. How a people can continue to exist and even succeed academically or emotionally is a testament to the human spirit. This family integrates their parental respect and internal values as too few in the west even comprehend. An excellent cast and exceptional storyline which is rarely if ever seen in the States. Well done!

..WELL DONE!