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A Lullaby for the Valley

  • Israel
  • Documentary
  • 2020
  • 75 min.
  • Director(s): Ben Shani
  • Producer(s): Shula Spiegel & Dana Eden

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.

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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

  • "A Beautiful and thought-provoking portrait."
    - Shani Litman, Haaretz
  • "One of the most visually pleasing documentaries you may encounter"
    - Nadav Menuhin, Walla!