Ruth Films

The captivating story of a Russian Jewish filmmaker working during the height and collapse of the Soviet Union. In this autobiographical documentary, Peter Mostovoy takes us on his journey from impoverished childhood to award-winning filmmaker. Naively believing that his art could be free from demands of the regime, Mostovoy nevertheless became entangled in the absurdity of Soviet-era politics as an “untrustworthy” Jew. The Red Scarf is a smart blend of animation, archival footage—including clips of Mostovoy’s films—and a healthy dose of humour.

The film follows the attempts to harness wind and solar energy for the benefit of the Palestinian village of Susia. In the process we get to know extraordinary individuals from both sides of the conflict/ What was missing in Noam Dotan's otherwise perfect life? What made him and others leave symbols of success and devote themselves to a renewable energy project in a Palestinian village? what is this dream, shared with the residents of Susia, which is today coming to fruition? They work through action, rather than through protest or demonstrations. Three years in the making, they have created a renewable energy project at Susia, succeeded in supplying electricity for residents living in tents and caves, figuratively and literally lighting up their lives.

‘I was born here, so if they catch me, will I be forced to return?’ This is the question asked by Ryan, a 10-year-old Filipino boy whose father is arrested for being an illegal alien in Israel. Nato is Ryan's cousin and best friend, and his father has a legal work permit. Together, the children live their seemingly normal everyday lives in the shadow of the constant fear of deportation. The film focuses on the children of foreign workers. In addition to a typical childhood existence, these children are forced to deal with a complex reality that includes tough questions as to their identity. The film follows the children's dreams, their games and their yearnings in a reality where the future is forever frightening and unknown.

"Oy Mama" is a touching film that tells the story of 95-year-old Holocaust survivor Fira, who is not only Noa Maiman's grandmother but also the adopted grandmother of 4-year-old Firita. Set in modern-day Israel, this moving documentary explores two entwined storylines that converge in Fira's life. Fira's harrowing past is unveiled as she recounts her family's escape from a burning Europe with the help of a kind Polish woman. We witness her resilience and strength in the face of adversity, and how her experiences have shaped her life today. In the present, Fira is dependent on the kindness of Firita's mother, Magna, who serves as her caretaker for the past 12 years. Through her intricate and poignant present, we see the deep bond Fira shares with Firita, who embodies the future and a symbol of hope.

Achmed Hamdoon, a young Arab Bedouin of the Hamdoon tribe, was raised in the family tin hut, a few meters away from the locked gate of Kibbutz "Lotem" in West Galilee, Northern Israel. Having longed for the kibbutz life most of his youth, he finally pulls out and moves to "Lotem", changing his name to the typically Israeli name Meidan Sade. The clan is outraged and sees him as a "traitor". But Meidan, no longer Achmed, feels he cannot access better opportunities in the Israeli society as a Bedouin. Indeed, he becomes "the first Hamdoon" to carry ammunition while guarding the Kibbutz, completes his high school...