Sallah Shabati

Director: Ephraim Kishon
Israel 1964 110 mins
Language: Hebrew with English subtitles
Cast: With Chaim Topol, Gila Almagor, Arik Einstein, Zaharira Harifai and Shaike Levi

Starring Chaim Topol as the unforgettable Sallah, a sharp satire about the Israeli establishment and the treatment of Jewish migrants from Arab countries by native born Israelis. Written and directed by Ephraim Kishon, Sallah Shabati became a phenomenal success, with a record audience of over one million in Israel alone and remarkable international acclaim including an Oscar nomination, two Golden Globe awards and the Hollywood Press Association award for the Best Foreign Film.

The film takes place during the massive wave of migration to Israel in the 1950s. Sallah, his wife and seven children arrive in a transition camp. While Sallah dedicates all his efforts to getting permanent housing, he systematically avoids proper work and proves his talents mainly in backgammon and in manipulating the newly formed bureaucracy. An iconic film with a witty dialogue and memorable comic scenes.

Chaim Topol has been invited to this screening.