Back to the future: From Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union to Israel
On the weekend of December 5–7, we will address the question “Where to now?” from post-migrant Jewish perspectives. Through literature, film, stand-up comedy, and discussions, we will address immigration from the countries of the former Soviet Union to Israel and Germany, from Ethiopia to Israel, and, of course, re-immigration into postwar German society. This brings the program focus, which began with the immediate postwar period, to a close in the present. In the end, the question from the beginning remains: Where to now?
(2021 / ISR / 15 min) by Salomon Chekol
This short film by young Israeli filmmaker Salomon Chekol tells a story about the little-known realities of Jewish life in the African diaspora. When Shai, an Ethiopian Jewish soldier, is granted leave for Passover, he travels back home. He brings with him canned food given to him by the army so that his family can afford the holiday and traditional foods. However, when Shai discovers that his father has hidden a large sum of money at home, the situation escalates.
(2018 / ETH, ISR / 93 min) by Aäläm Wärqe Davidian
In her impressive feature film, the director draws on her experiences of Jewish migration from Ethiopia to Israel. The film centers on the love story between 16-year-old Jewish girl Mina and Christian boy Eli amid the civil war of 1989. While Mina gets the opportunity to emigrate to Israel, Eli hides in a fig tree in the countryside to escape forced recruitment. With sensitive insight, this award-winning film tells of human losses in war and migration and the consequences for future generations.
(2022 / ISR / 60 min) by Margarita Linton and Yaniv Linton
The life of director Margarita Linton was marked by the absence of her father. The painter from Riga emigrated with his family to Israel in 1990, where he left them shortly afterwards. Now, as an adult woman, Rita seeks contact with her father and documents her attempts to reconnect with him on film. A poignant (self) portrait about the losses that migration can leave behind in families.
(2013 / ISR / 79 min) by Yael Kipper and Ronen Zaretsky
When millions of people emigrated from the USSR to Israel and other countries in the 1990s, they left behind their status, their diplomas, and their family members. Super Women shares the personal stories of different women who work as Russian immigrants in an Israeli supermarket. Maya, Ella, Marlene, Nella, and Yulia are the heroines of this film, which tells of female solidarity and strength in a difficult new beginning.
Evgenia Gostrer talks to directors Aäläm Wärqe Davidian and Margarita Linton about the impact their migration experiences have had on their filmmaking.
Dates & Tickets
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Sun 7.12. 1 – 7 pm
- Therese-Giehse-Halle
- 7.12.2025
- 6 hours
- 20 €, U30: 10 €
- Festival pass for 3 film events of your choice for HFF Munich students. The pass includes admission to three freely selectable film events of the thematic focus ‘Where to now?’ at a package price of € 15. Available at: mitmachen@kammerspiele.de