The Band’s Visit (Bikur Ha-Tizmoret) 2007, Eran Kolirin

Eran Kolirin’s 2007 film “The Band’s visit” (Bikur Ha-Tizmoret) has proven to become a comedic gem to this years film festival. Breaking away from the common grim and hardship portrayal of the middle east (as seen in such recent films as “Babel”, or “Jar Head”) “The Band’s Visit” (taking place in Israel) adds a sense of optimism and tranquility.As an Egyptian police force orchestra band gets stranded in a bleak and bland town in Israel, self reflections and new bonds prove to be the real journey of the film. With a noteably social and ethnic contrast amongst the culture and ethnisity of the muscisans and the locals, the viewer gets much insight into the unexpected simularities we all embrace.

The character’s interactions bring the far away Middle East into your backyard with circumstanes all viewers can relate to; such as severly awkward siliences, underlyning lust, remorse, longing, and falling on roller skates. The film remains ever modest and witty, persistently poking fun at it’s narrative; opening with the words- “Not many remember this……. It wasn’t that important”. The film’s natural gift of creating a familiar relation to people and cultures all over the world is a truley unique and inspireing method of screen writing to be presented.

Although most the humor remains extremely subtle, what perhaps dominates the film’s ideology is the internal search that many of the cast take. A pattern of the vulnerable and the nurturing becomes evident as band members and town folk alike begin to guide each other towards a self salvation. Everything from letting go of the past, to girl trouble, to second wind drives towards a life’s dream take place; if only for a night.

Eran Kolirin’s “the Band’s Visit” has made quite the adoring and light hearted impact on the festival. If one has the opportunity of seeing this film, prepare to laugh and root for the characters, as well as find a little self reflection of your own.