Eric Wolfram's Writing, Review of The Inner Tour

The Inner Tour

Directed by Ra'anan Alexandrowicz

See Israel from the eyes of Palestinian tourists. A film crew accompanies a group of Palestinian tourists on a three-day tour of Israel. Inner Tour is the middle east's answer to Real TV. The film has a documentary feel, with good photography, however, it feels a tad set up -- as if the film makers hand picked the passengers. So I'm unsure if it is a direct style of documentary, but it presents itself as one.

One of the passengers is a blind old man, which turns into an excellent narrative device, as we hear his 16 year old grandson explain everything they're seeing -- in this way we get into the mind of the Palestinian. The old man, who often speaks in outright racist terms, is somehow endearing in his old age.

Of course, this documentary will be understandably hard for some people to watch, as it shows a different point of view, but sticking it out will humanize the Israeli's and the Palestinians alike. It may even offer hope that we can tear down some walls and live in peace one day.

The film features some excellent live music, a nice score, lots of stunning thematic images -- barbed wire, walls, gun turrets, fences. At times the film lingered on some of those images, as if the editor fell in love with the footage. There was dancing and parties, and an ammusement ride which really humanized the tourists.

Credits:
Country: Israel
Year: 2001
Run Time: 94 minutes
Cast:
Producer: Raed Andoni, Liran Atzmor
Editor: Ron Goldman
Cinematographer: Mathieu Vadepied
Screenwriter: Sharon (Shark) De Mayo

This Film Was Viewed at the 45th San Francisco International Film Festival


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