Reich pic not right?

'Downfall' to hit Israeli cinemas; some blast decision

By ALI JAAFAR

Distributor Shani Films has decided to release German pic "Downfall," about the last days of Adolf Hitler, in Israel. The film will be released in three Israeli cities on May 19, only days after the country's annual Holocaust Memorial Day on May 5.

Nurit Shani, who also owns Lev Cinemas where the film will be screened, eventually hopes to screen it at all seven of her cinemas.

Shani surveyed auds after test screenings at the Lev Cinema in Tel Aviv and Smadar cinema in Jerusalem. More than 90% of audience members said the film should be released theatrically.

Some local critics blasted the survey and subsequent decision to release as a PR move designed to increase publicity for the film.

The move has caused division within Shani Films as well. One long-time staffer reportedly refused to work on distributing the film.

Nurit Shani, wrote in the Jerusalem Post that "not screening it is an act of censorship."

All this might be a storm in a teacup, for arthouse films generally do not fare well at the Israeli box office.