Italy
Synopsis
Although Israeli soldiers occupy the second floor of the house, Mohammad refuses to leave. Reinforced by his strong principles against violence, he decides to find a solution living together with the Israeli soldiers.
This way of living together, soaked in fear, splits the family between those trying to understand the father’s message and those who simply cannot do so. Every family member reacts in a different way to the soldiers' presence in the house and to the father's authority.
Director's Statement
Since 1992 nobody has left the house. There is nothing around it because usually the Israelis destroy the surrounding houses so to be able to have an unhindered view. But they also cannot evict him because of two reasons: he is not a terrorist and has become famous. The media know and back him. What struck me is that within the occupied house one does not perceive hatred or anger, from neither party.
Director's Biography
He remained in New York for two years during which he worked as cameraman and writer for documentaries for the production company GVG Usa.
In 2000 he wrote, filmed, directed and edited six episodes of a new docu-fiction set within the red room (emergency resuscitation) of the hospital "Policlinico Umberto I" in Rome. With SALA ROSSA he won the special mention from critics at the Turin International Film Festival. PRIVATE is his first feature film.
Filmography:
2004 PRIVATE
2001 SALA ROSSE, 6-episode doc-fiction
1999 CAFFE MILLE LUD, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, doc.
Cast & Crew
Directed by: Saverio Costanzo
Written by: Saverio Costanzo, Camilla Costanzo, Sayed Qashua, Alessio Cremonini
Produced by: Mario Gianani
Cinematography: Luigi Martinucci
Editing: Francesca Calvelli
Production Design: Ludovica Amati
Costume Design: Einat Fadida
Original Score: Alter Ego
Sound Design: Gabriele Moretti, Antonio Dolce
Cast: Tomer Russo (Private Eial), Areen Omari (Samiah B.), Mohammad Bakri, Lior Miller, Mohammad Bakri (Mohammad B.), Lior Miller (Commander Ofer)
Nominations and Awards
- Feature Film Selection 2005