The Seven Years of Absalon
Synopsis
Meir Eshel, a 22-year-old beach-boy from Southern Israel, buys a one-way ticket to Paris and re-invents himself as an artist calling himself Absalon. He quickly rises to art-scene stardom, showcased by the most prestigious museums worldwide: Centre Pompidou Paris, Tate Modern Gallery London, the Venice Biennale, Israel Museum.
Absalon’s success was short-lived – almost 7 years pass since his arrival in Paris until his tragic death, during the peak of his success at the age of 28.
More than 25 years later, his younger brother Dani Eshel’s first assignment as estate manager – is to sell Absalon’s final art piece.
Through his journey we learn about the unique life and art of Absalon.
Credits
Director(s)
David Ofek, Amit Azaz
Producer(s)
David Noy, Yoram Ivry
Script
David Ofek
Cinematography
Yoram Ivry
Editor
Yarden Kum
Original Music
Assaf Talmudi
Sound Design
Rotem Dror
Graphic Design
Yaron Shin (JEWBOY Corp.)
Produced with the support of
Project Cinema-Rabinovich Foundation, Mifal Hapais Arts Council
Festival Highlights
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WINNER
Special Jury MentionDocaviv2022
IDFA, Netherlands, Official Selection, 2022
Reviews
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The remarkable aspects of this documentary are the ways in which the filmmakers marry form and content together in a near seamless manner to give a compelling account of a fascinating creative figure. This gentle and subtle film says so much about love, death, grief, sexuality, illness, creativity and family, without ever overstating or forcing the narrative into inauthentic or false directions. It is also an excellent portrait of brotherly love and how a sibling has embraced the role of being his brother's keeper with real honesty and integrity. Staying true to the restrained and humble nature of the artist's work THE SEVEN YEARS OF ABSALON reveals itself to be one of the best artist's profiles of recent years and thoroughly deserving of this Special Jury award. Docaviv Jury Justification
