Vasermil

Vasermil was an unexpected discovery at last year’s Jerusalem International Film Festival, one which pleasantly surprised both critics and audiences.
The – until then unknown – director Mushon Salmona wrote the original script and a few young non-professional actors give great performances. Vasermil is a modern film with the camera work in full harmony with the context. The restlessness, xenophobia and prejudices present in young people in Israel are wonderfully caught by the restless movements of the handheld camera. It is one of those rare debuts where everything works together marvellously.
The three protagonists represent three different social classes and backgrounds. Shlomi is an Israeli living with his mother, stepfather and little sister, earning money by selling pizza’s. Adiel is a boy of Ethiopian origin and taking care of his sick mother and younger brother. Dima represents the latest immigrant wave – he comes originally from Russia and can’t avoid all the clichés that go with it, like the mafia and drugs. The three boys are connected (unwillingly though, by their teacher and trainer) by the idea of bringing the participation of their local football club in the youth championship at the Vasermil stadium to a successful end. The path to this is long, bumpy and full of obstacles. (LC)

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