Red Leaves

“Beautifully acted and carefully written, it shows a side of Israel that rarely makes it to the big screen.” – The Jerusalem Post

Meseganio Tadela is 74 years old and obstinate. Since immigrating to Israel from Ethiopia 28 years ago, he has held onto his culture and refused to assimilate. But when his wife passes away, it sets him on a journey that takes him through his children’s homes, where he discovers the his heritage may be a thing of the past.

Based partly on Shakespeare’s King Lear, and partly on writer/director Bazi Gete’s own family experience, this is a gentle film that depicts one of Israel’s lesser-shown subcultures. Featuring a brilliant performance by legendary Ethiopian actor Debebe Eshetu in the central role, Red Leaves won the FIPRESCI Prize for Best First Film at the Jerusalem Film Festival.