A Lullaby for the Valley
Synopsis
Artist Elie Shamir paints the view from his studio balcony – fields stretching to the horizon, ancient oak trees, and a generation of farmers that is disappearing from the vistas of the Jezreel Valley. His large oils are treasured by collectors worldwide.
It was director Ben Shani’s encounter with one of Shamir’s works that spawned the idea of documenting the artist at work. Neither of them had any idea that everything would change as the filming progressed, as an unforeseen danger threatened to rob Shamir of his talent.
Filmed over the course of ten years, A lullaby for the Valley focuses on the fascinating figure of Elie Shamir and his paintings. As time passes, like the endless fields of the valley, they are transformed before our very eyes.
Credits
Director(s)
Ben Shani
Producer(s)
Shula Spiegel & Dana Eden
Script
Ben Shani
Cinematography
Uriel Sinai
Editor
Ron Omer
Supporters & Broadcasters
HOT8, The New Fund for Cinema and TV, Mifal Hapais
Festival Highlights
Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema , USA, 2021
Marblehead Jewish Film Festival , USA, 2021
Philadelphia Israeli Film Festival , USA, 2021
Cinequest Film Festival , USA, 2021
Consulate of Israel in New York- Director's Presentation, USA, 2021
Docaviv, Israel, official compilation , 2020
Classrooms Without Borders, USA, 2021
Reviews
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"A Beautiful and thought-provoking portrait."
- Shani Litman, Haaretz
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"One of the most visually pleasing documentaries you may encounter"
- Nadav Menuhin, Walla!
