Sunday, March 19, 12:30 PM 

Northwest Premiere

Israel, 1996, 150 min.

Hebrew w/subtitles

Eyton Fox, Director

Florentene Part II 

Last year SJFF showed Florentene  Part I (episodes one though six) and many of you got hooked. Back by popular demand, we are proud to  present the next five episodes of this wildly popular Israeli TV series. No introduction needed -- jump right in! A Friends-like portrayal of  ‘90s culture with more substance, politics and a distinctly Euro flair, Florentene possesses an originality that distinguishes it from anything seen on American TV.  After the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the close-knit group of friends living in Tel-Aviv’s funky, bohemian Florentene neighborhood huddle together through the Peres-Netanyahu elections, terrorist bus bombings and personal matters.  The show’s rootedness in contemporary Israeli issues, straightforward (and sometimes steamy) depictions of both gay and straight relationships, and cast of Israel’s best young actors make it hip, refreshing and relevant. Director Eyton Fox is one of Israel’s hottest talents. He packs an unexpected emotional punch that is guaranteed to get you hooked.  SJFF expects Florentene will be an annual habit.

For a list of related readings available at Tree of Life Books and Judaica and through the American Jewish Committee, please visit our SJFF 2000 Reading List.