The Good Fence - Studio Darom Participants 2023

Synopsis

Avner (59), a respected member of a right-wing religious settlement, managed to get his daughter Abigail’s name on the community’s memorial list despite her having committed suicide, a violation of a tenet of Judaism that forced her to be buried outside the settlement cemetery. Hanan (29, Ex-religious), Avner’s son, is accused of causing a soldier’s fatal injury as part of his extreme leftist organization. Avner releases Hanan on bail, hiding his presence until reporters expose the secret, sparking protests from the congregation members. Ronit, Avner’s wife, leaves with their children. Avner and Hanan face isolation and accusation by the community that demands Hanan’s departure or Abigail will be removed from the list of “the respected fallen”. Avner takes a stand and expands the cemetery fence with a hoe. Hanan joins him but he gets arrested for activating his electronic handcuff. Avner insists on going with him, finding solace in their unity as they sit in the car, while the extended fence of the cemetery is behind them.

Hillel Rate

Hillel Rate | Director

Hillel Rate, an independent Israeli filmmaker graduated with honors from the Maaleh School of Cinema and Television and holds a master’s degree (MFA) in documentary cinema from Tel Aviv University. In addition to his work as an independent filmmaker, Hillel works with festivals around the world as a jury and selection committee member. Hillel’s films deal with personal and intimate stories and focus on marginalized figures in Israeli society. He believes that through personal stories and intimate experiences, it is possible to create narratives that have a broad social impact. His point of view and the visual tone of his films are subtle and stylish, full of compassion and respect for his characters. His short films have been screened at festivals in Israel and around the world, including but not limited to: the Jerusalem IFF, DocAviv IFF, Hot Docs Canadian FF and Astra FF.

Lev Orlov

Lev Orlov | Producer

Lev Orlov is an independent film producer based in Tel Aviv, head of Lev Orlov Films. Graduated from the Innovative Producing Studies at Sam Spiegel Film School. As part of his studies, he produced short films (fiction and documentaries) which participated and won awards at festivals in Israel and abroad. The short documentary he directed and produced as part of his studies, "Island", was shortlisted for the BAFTA students awards. Currently focusing on producing short films - fiction, documentary and animation - with the most promising young filmmakers of the Israeli and Palestine cinema. In addition to his producing activity, Lev is developing an original content; the pilot for the animation series he created was produced by The Hive Studio and shown at the Kidscreen Summit 2023 and will participate in Annecy Film Festival 2023. Before turning to producing Lev was involved in film festivals, served in a variety of positions at the Haifa International Film Festival, including producer of the Israeli cinema programs, festival coordinator and assistant to the festival director.