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Seven Days

Directed by Ronit & Shlomi Elkabetz

Israel-France | 103 minutes | 2008

French, Arabic, Hebrew with English subtitles

In this emotional rollercoaster, acclaimed Israeli actress Ronit Elkabetz (The Band’s Visit) teams up with brother Shlomi Elkabetz to direct this fascinating portrait of a Moroccan family as they gather to mourn the sudden death of their brother. It is 1991 during the first Gulf War and Israel is under daily missile attacks. But in the Ohaion family, tragedy has hit in more mundane circumstances as beloved Maurice, one of nine brothers and sisters, has suddenly died. The family gathers for the traditional seven days of mourning (shiva) in which they are not allowed to leave the house. The intensity of this situation is a catalyst for more than just emotional support and communal grief. Jealousy, gossip, long term rivalry and financial problems come to the fore, as each of the siblings are faced with their frustrated ambitions. Boasting an impressive cast of some of Israel’s best actors including Elkabetz herself, Keren Mor, Yaël Abecassis, Moshe Ivgy, and Alon Aboutboul, Seven Days conveys the complexity of family life, in a way that cannot but invite us to contemplate our own.
Foreign Title Shiva
Director Ronit & Shlomi Elkabetz
Countries of Production Israel-France
Year of Presentation 2008
Language(s) French, Arabic, Hebrew with English subtitles
Premiere Status
Runtime 103 minutes
Principal Cast Ronit Elkabetz, Moshe Ivgy, Yaël Abecassis, Keren Mor, Alon Aboutboul
Award(s)

Nominated for 13 Israeli Ophir Awards

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