List of Israeli films of 1997

Cinema of Israel
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In 1997, the Israeli film industry saw the release of several notable films that contributed to the country's cinematic landscape. These films covered a range of themes, including social issues, identity, and the complexities of Israeli life.

One of the prominent releases that year was Saint Clara (Clara Hakedosha), directed by Ori Sivan and Ari Folman. Based on the novel The Ideas of Saint Clara by Czech author Pavel Kohout, the film is set in 1999 and follows a 13-year-old girl, Clara, who possesses supernatural abilities to predict the future. The film explores themes of youth rebellion and the conflict between secularism and mysticism. Saint Clara received critical acclaim, winning multiple Israeli Film Academy Awards, including Best Film, and gaining international recognition at various film festivals.

Another notable release was A Matter of Size (Sipur Gadol), directed by Sharon Maymon and Erez Tadmor. The film presents a comedic yet heartfelt narrative about a group of overweight Israelis who challenge societal norms by embracing sumo wrestling. The film offered a fresh perspective on body positivity and acceptance, resonating with audiences through its blend of humor and social commentary.

Yana's Friends (Hachaverim Shel Yana), directed by Arik Kaplun, also debuted in 1997. Set during the Gulf War in the early 1990s, the film tells the story of Yana, a young Russian immigrant in Israel, as she navigates the challenges of integrating into Israeli society. The film explores themes of immigration, identity, and the emotional struggles faced by new immigrants. Yana's Friends received praise for its sensitive portrayal of immigrant life in Israel and became a significant work in the depiction of the immigrant experience.

The Israeli films of 1997 reflected the industry's growing focus on exploring diverse themes, including societal tensions, personal identity, and the immigrant experience. These releases marked a period of creative expansion in Israeli cinema, as filmmakers continued to address both contemporary and historical issues through their work.

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• 1997 in Israel

• Israeli films of 1997 at the Internet Movie Database