A war story can be told either by the victims or by the soldiers. Here filmmaker Nurit Kedar uncovers this untold war story through the voices of young soldiers.
Operation “Cast Lead” in Gaza wasn’t covered by the media due to military embargo. For the first time Israeli soldiers who took part in “Cast Lead” in Gaza 2009 come forward. Ten soldiers and officers, recently released from service, sat in front of a camera with their faces revealed. These soldiers, in their very unique way, have created a narrative of an unknown war.
Awards
- Honorable Mention - In the Spirit of Freedom Category, The Jerusalem Film Festival, 2011
Festivals
- Exground International Filmfest, Wiesbaden, Germany, 2011
- Culture Scapes Showcase, Bazel, Switzerland, 2011
- Jerusalem Film Festival, 2011 – Competitive section
Additional info
Gallery
"Concrete, a stark portrait of the thoughts and feelings of a group of soldiers who took part in Operation Cast Lead in Gaza in 2009."
Daphne Merkin/Tablet Magazine - http://www.tabletmag.com/arts-and-culture/74578/screen-doors/Director Nurit Kedar and producer Yehuda Bitton’s film CONCRETE which was screened last night at the Jerusalem Film Festival brings to the forefront the chilling testimonies of soldiers who took part in “Operation Cast Lead” in Gaza. The soldiers tell of their experiences openly in front of the camera – only sporadically punctuated by shots of young people who are about to begin their military service. These are “the future victims” of the Israeli military machine and they stand silently in an industrial warehouse with gaping eyes.
This is a bold film yet, as other films before, that emphasizes the victim status of the soldiers and does so without any criticism. Perhaps this is why it has been reported that the military spokesperson is interested in screening the film for soldiers.
At the same time, it is important to see this film, to argue about it and its problematic ideology. This is exactly the purpose of worthwhile films.
Shmulik Duvdevani