Closing Night Film
Philadelphia Premiere
Date: Saturday, November 18
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Director: Ori Sivan
Genre: Narrative Feature
Country: Israel
Year: 2016
Running Time: 97 min
Language: Hebrew w/ English subtitles
Sponsored by: Susanna Lachs Adler and Dean Adler; Harris and Debra Devor; David Haas; Ruth Perlmutter in memory of Archie Perlmutter
Tension permeates this modern-day adaptation of the biblical tale of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. Set amidst the backdrop of the Jerusalem Philharmonic Orchestra, a compelling and sophisticated love triangle unfolds. The famed conductor Abraham (Alon Aboutboul) and his wife, Sarah (Tali Sharon), a harpist under his direction, are unable to have children. While the loving couple has been able to keep this from straining their marriage, their performances are colored by their complex emotional dynamic.
Enter Hagar (Yana Yossef): a beautiful young horn player from East Jerusalem. Shortly after joining the orchestra, Hagar and Sarah become good friends. Sharing a unique bond, Hagar senses Sarah’s heartache and longing for motherhood. Wishing happiness for the couple, Hagar offers to have a baby with Abraham for Sarah to rear as her own. As their first child, Ben, grows older, he finds himself estranged from Sarah. Their relationship worsens when ten years after he is born, Sarah miraculously gives birth to her biological son, Isaac. Although the family unit is complete, the mounting tension between Sarah and Ben threatens to tear the family apart.
In transferring the story to modern-day Israel, Director Ori Sivan thoughtfully imbues the melodrama with subtext that inclines audiences to contemplate the larger societal paradigms influencing Israel today.
For more information, please visit, pjff.org/harmonia.