The Matchmaker (Pa’am Hayiti)
A favorite at the Houston Jewish Film Festival, this poignant Israeli film set in the 1960s addresses the fragility and resilience of human nature, with the desire for love at its core.
Holocaust survivor Yankele Bride makes his living as a matchmaker and a smuggler. Sixteen year old Arik needs a summer job. He finds employment with Bride as a scout for possible clients. The job provides him with cash and an education: about prostitution, illegal gambling—and love.
Set in Haifa in 1968, this coming of age story introduces Arik to a damaged group of characters in need of redemption and healing from one of history’s greatest tragedies. In the naïve Arik, they see the future, and even Arik himself falls in love for the first time. A favorite at the Houston Jewish Film Festival and Ophir Awards Winner for Best Actor (Adir Miller) and Best Actress (Maya Dagan).