Directed by Haim Tabakman and written by Merav Doster, Eyes Wide Open is a gay love story set in Jerusalem's "ultra-orthodox" Jewish community — in other words, in a society in which homosexuality is anything but acceptable.
Here's the synopsis from the Eyes Wide Open press release: "Aaron, a respectable butcher in Jerusalem's ultra-orthodox Jewish community is married to Rivka and is a dedicated father of four children. One day, he meets Ezri, a handsome twenty-two year old student, and soon falls in love with him. He then starts to neglect his family and community life, swept away by his love and lust for Ezri. But guilt, torment and pressure from the community will catch up with him, leading him to make a radical decision."
Winner of the John Schlesinger Award for Outstanding First Feature at the 2010 Palm Springs Film Festival, Eyes Wide Open is now playing in New York City at the Cinema Village. No Los Angeles playdates have been set, yet, though hopefully the film will reach these shores soon.
Eyes Wide Open stars Jerusalem Film Festival best actor winner Zohar Shtrauss, best supporting actor Israeli Academy Award nominee Ran Danker, Tzahi Grad, Isaac Sharry, and — I kid you not — Tinkerbell (who played Satan in Assi Dayan's The Gospel According to God).
Hi,
I should very much like to see this film when coming to Europe (Belgium or France). My best friend is a gay man.
Shalom.
Ellen Andersen
Brussels