Acclaimed French director Amos Gitai explores the bitter realities of Middle Eastern conflict in the fascinating, award-winning road movie that gives a rare glimpse into a part of the world, from Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall to Jordan, that is often seen on news broadcasts but seldom seen in the movies.
Free Zone, the first Israeli movie filmed in an Arab country, stars the Jerusalem born, Hollywood beauty Natalie Portman (V For Vendetta, Star Wars), as Rebecca, an American Jewish woman, who, having just split from her Spanish-Israeli fiancé, embarks on a road trip with an unlikely group. Celebrated actress Carmen Maura also makes an appearance.
In a bid to escape the painful memories of the break-up, Rebecca joins Hanna (Hanna Lazlo) a middle aged Israeli woman who is determined to collect a large debt owed to her injured husband by his business partner, known as ‘The American’.
The journey takes them on an arduous drive from Jerusalem to the titular Free Zone - a tax-free region where those from countries at war trade cars with one another.
Arriving at their destination the mystery businessman is nowhere to be found but they encounter Leila (Hiam Abbass) a Palestinian woman, who claims to know the whereabouts of the elusive debtor.
The film garnered acclaim at Cannes Film Festival winning the Best Actress award for Lazlo and a nomination for the prestigious Golden Palm.
Free Zone is released 20th October