Seven Days

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.