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A couple in a tiled pool. She holds him tendely as he floats on his back.

Bliss Hemda

  Shemi Zarhin

  Israel     125 minutes

Synopsis

In spite of the daily challenges they face – from physical to financial – married couple Sassi (Sasson Gabay) and Effi (Asi Levi) have found an emotional equilibrium in their relationship. Sassi’s son, who has escaped to Europe for safety, ran up an enormous gambling debt, which the two work assiduously to help him pay off. By day, Sassi drives a recycling truck, and Effi is employed at the local pool as a physical therapist. At night they join forces, cooking side-by-side for their prepared foods catering service. Even Sassi’s impotency (the result of prostate surgery) is something they approach with love and humor.

This delicate balance is threatened when two young men burst back into their lives – their grandson, who unexpectedly returns from Europe, and one of Effi’s former students – reopening past wounds and reawakening dormant desires. The ever-perceptive chronicler of human nature and relationships, Shemi Zarhin (Aviva My Love, ), returns to the Festival for the fourth time with this wry and empathy-infused story of love, forgiveness, and the possibility of bliss.

 Hebrew, Arabic with subtitles

Screenings & Events

Screening

Tue, Oct 22 @ 5:15pm CDT

at AMC NEWCITY 14, screen 13

Screening

Wed, Oct 23 @ 11:45am CDT

at AMC NEWCITY 14, screen 13

Media

Film Credits

  •   Moshe Edery
  •   Shemi Zarhin
  •   Einat Glaser Zarhin
  •   Itzik Portal
  •   Sasson Gabay, Asi Levi, Maor Levi, Adi Alon, Shadi Mar'i, Lital Schartz, Roy Assaf
  •   Gal Lev
  •   United King Films