At Dawn
Ali, a Palestinian-Israeli teenager, tries to fit in with an Israeli activist peace group, but in a violent stricken society getting hurt is inevitable.
Interview with Writer/Director Omri Burstyn
Watch At Dawn here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The idea for the film started from the ending scene. It was after a terrible act of violence had occurred very close to my home; a group of young people attacked a random guy with no real reason... Except for a racial one. I could not stop thinking about the moment when a person suddenly gets beaten down to the ground, almost to his death. I was wondering what that person had for dinner and the song that was playing in his head the moment before. Maybe he thought about his loved ones.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
AT DAWN deals with current day Israel-Palestine. It's about Innocence and love mixed with violence and racism. It's about growing up in the Middle East. People around the world see my country through the news on a daily basis, but the way it is presented is always through a certain kind of perspective. I wanted to show the diversity of this conflict through a different point of view, one that would make people think and reflect on their own lives and society.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Being a teenager, and experiencing unrequited love are both completely universal themes. The same goes to violence and racism. Living in Jerusalem, with all the tension that comes with it, is what makes this film personal and extremely painful. It's hard enough growing up, but the impossible situation of Israel makes it that much more difficult.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
At first I wanted to tell a story about apocalyptical right winged acts that encourage a young group of left winged activists to respond with violence. I've been told my script was too extreme, violent and pessimistic. No one believed Israel would succumb to a dark prospect such as I depicted. I rewrote some parts of the script, trying to make it more "realistic".
At the time "Price Tag" (which is a name given to Jewish hate crimes committed by fundamentalist settlers) mostly consisted of burning Palestinian olive groves. But only a month after we started shooting Muhammad Abu Khdeir, an Arab teenager was burned alive by a group of right winged extremists. Later on the house of Palestinian Dawabsheh family was set ablaze in the west bank.
Not long after, the third Intifada started with random acts of terror - stabbing and shooting attacks on Israeli civilians began happening on a daily basis, leading to the death of over 40 civilians. What a horrible chain of events. When I wrote the script, I had no idea this is where we were heading. This definitely set the tone for the editing, the musical choices, sound design and grading.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
From the beginning, all the crew felt the urge to tell this story but it wasn't an easy film to shoot and we had a very tight budget. Now, every vote of confidence in this film makes me extremely happy and thankful. It's surprising and heartwarming to hear people from all over the world identifying with the film. People are surprised to see the conflict portrayed from a unique perspective. Many viewers are initially drawn to the political aspect of the film but when I speak with them after the screening I find out that they identified with the emotional storyline more than they expected. I guess the experience of being an outsider or a victim of violence is more universal than I thought.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
As I mentioned before - the longing to be part of something; to be loved, is a driving power in the story of this film. I knew it was a crucial part of the film but I assumed most people would be more intrigued by the political aspects. I understand now that the true nature of storytelling is always personal and emotional. Well… For me anyway.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I believe that the only way to achieve peace in my country will be to embrace the differences amongst ourselves, our societies, our cultures. I think this film expresses my hopes and desires regarding the place I live in. By sharing this film with others, I hope to expand the message of peace and equality.
These longings are the roots of making this film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Well all of the above. We want to get the film out there to as many people as we can.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
AT DAWN deals with the middle east political situation from a very specific angle and I'm really looking forward to hear people's thoughts and feelings about it. I'm not looking for something specific, no matter where viewers come from, or what side of the political map they belong to, it's always eye opening to hear them out.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
You don't need a question. This film, in its DNA, is extremely controversial.
Would you like to add anything else?
If you've seen the film, or heard about it and want to see it, drop me a line. I'm always eager to hear what you have to say.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
At the moment I'm developing both a feature film and a mini-series. These projects will also be dealing with the aspects of violence in everyday lives.
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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At Dawn
Ali, a Palestinian-Israeli teenager, tries to fit in with an Israeli activist peace group, but in a violent stricken society getting hurt is inevitable.
Length: 18:50
Director: Omri Burstyn
Producer: Ruthy Pribar
Writer: Omri Burstyn
About the writer, director:
Omri Burstyn was born in Israel in 1985. He graduated from The Sam Spiegel Film school in 2014. During his studies Omri directed several shorts and founded "InDradio", an independent radio station as part of the Israeli InDNegev music festival. In his youth, Omri was politically involved in human rights and peace movements and worked as a counselor in a youth group. His Short film At Dawn (2015) is a reflection on these experiences.
About the producer:
Ruthy Pribar was born in Israel in 1982. She graduated with honors from Sam Spiegel Film School in 2012. Ruthy is currently developing her first feature film as a director, and was chosen to participate in the prestigious "Résidence du Festival" - Cannes Film Festival residency program.
Key cast:
Tawfeek Barhom, Gaia Shalita Katz, Ben Adam
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
All of the above!
Made in association with:
-Gesher Multicultural Film Fund
-The Jerusalem Film and Television Fund
Release date: November 2015
Where can I watch it in the next month? At Dawn will screen at Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival 2016, on 2:15 PM Fri, Aug 12 . The Vets Cinemathéque
Contact: atdawnthefilm@gmail.com
Follow us on Twitter : @AtDawnFilm
Visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/atdawnomri
Vimeo : www.vimeo.com/omri/atdawn