Rock in the Red Zone (2014)
(Laura Bialis, Israel/USA 2014, 90 min., English/Hebrew w/subtitles)
Rochester International Jewish Film Festival. On the edge of Israel’s Negev Desert lies Sderot, a city of factory workers and rock musicians – the children of refugees from North Africa and the Middle East. Despite being pummeled for years by missiles, the people of Sderot persevere. In raucous Moroccan celebrations, they embrace newcomers. In quiet family dinners, they voice their dreams. And in underground bomb shelters, they create music – a unique Sderot sound that has transformed Israeli music. Searching for a story about music, American filmmaker Laura Bialis encounters a creative community that captivates her, leads her to love, and changes the course of her life. Through stunning cinematography, Rock in the Red Zone inspires hope and demonstrates the power of artistic creation to transcend even the most challenging circumstances.
Special Feature
Musical performance and Q&A with musician Avi Vaknin, featured in the film.
Opening Night Party to Follow
underwritten by
Jewish Senior Life Foundation
For more information on the festival, film trailer, and tickets, visit rjff.org.