A film by Debbi Jivan
This
is a rare opportunity to look into the closed society of children, as they behave
towards one another oblivious of the camera. The focus is a fifth grade class
in Jerusalem. Here we meet Omri, a pudgy and awkward eleven-year-old. He clearly
has not made friends. The popular children in the class follow the leadership
of Yatan, a verbally aggressive, athletic, and good looking kid. To be his friend
is to be in the "in group", and Omri never makes it.
Reminiscent of The Lord of the Flies, this documentary captures the cruelty of children and the vulnerability of those who don't fit in. Even the teachers side with the stronger members of the class and offer no protection to the victimized child. This short film has already provoked intense discussion in classrooms in Israel and in America. In view of the attempt to understand the rash of school shootings here, this portrait of a child who is treated like an outcast is particularly relevant.
Tel Aviv International Festival, 1998
Flaherty Seminar, Israel, 1998
Special Panel, American Psychological Association, 2000
Gecko Award, Cinematexas, 1999
29 min. Video or DVD. Sale $250. Video rental $55. Subtitled. Contains strong language.
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