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Encirclements (Hakafot)

Encirclements

Thirteen-year-old Aharon is an only child who is determined to carry the Torah scrolls on Simchat Torah, and impress Alizia, the most popular girl in the neighbourhood. But the celebration leads to tensions within the family: his father believes the honour will lead to more children, but his mother cannot bear to suffer another miscarriage. Torn between his parents’ conflicting wishes, Aharon finds himself under intense pressure that may turn his triumph into disaster.

This debut film is a showcase for some tremendous performances from Lior Ashkenazi (Footnote), Assi Levy (The World Is Funny) and newcomer Agam Ozalvo as Aharon. Though a celebration of culture and religion, it is not afraid to ask tough questions of its characters and their beliefs.

Audience Pickles

  • Year

    2014

  • Director

    Lee Gilat

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