The Dr. Martha Cohen Memorial Screening
HERE AND NOW
This compelling social drama is told through the eyes of Andrey, a young Russian immigrant living with his little sister in a disadvantaged neighborhood in the city of Ashdod, and struggling to assimilate into Israeli society. Together with three of his best friends, also immigrants, they form a hip-hop band. Against the bleak reality of their daily lives in a part of town beset with violence and criminal activity, making music is an outlet for them – their lyrics are filled with the frustrations and humiliations of living on the socio-economic margins of Israeli society. Aspiring to participate in an international music festival, they hope that winning the competition will allow them to make their voices heard, to change their lives for the better. But their dream of competing in the festival is all but shattered when Andrey suffers a crisis at home. With compassion, sensitivity and a feeling of authenticity, this heartfelt and affecting film follows Andrey as he struggles to navigate a path forward amid the mounting pressures and dilemmas facing him.
Winner: Best Music, Israeli Academy Awards 2018
Nominated: 3 Israeli Academy Awards 2018 including Best Actor