DANCING IN JAFFA

Many long-held beliefs are put to the test when, fueled by his belief in the power of dance to build trust, world-champion dancer Pierre Dulaine returns to Jaffa and the streets of his youth to offer his ten-week class to Israeli and Palestinian students in five Jaffa-based schools. Fueled by his belief in the power of dance to build trust, enhance self-esteem, and overcome barriers, he determinedly prepares a selected group of ten-year-olds for a citywide competition. Despite confronting strong currents of racial animosity, he pairs Jewish-Israelis with Palestinian-Israelis, and the classroom becomes a microcosm of the Middle East’s struggle to work together harmoniously. Many long-held beliefs are put to the test as children and their families are forced to address issues of identity, segregation, and racial prejudice in this sweet, poignant, and often humorous tale that offers a glimmer of hope in a seemingly intractable conflict. Directed by Hilla Medalia.