The World Is Funny

About The Film

Israel’s number one box office hit that garnered a record-breaking 15 Ophir Award nominations, THE WORLD IS FUNNY blurs fantasy and reality in a multilayered, tragicomic exploration of past traumas and catharsis.

Set in provincial sunny Tiberias, the plot consists of a collection of wonderfully strange vignettes that grow in richness and complexity as the film progresses. The central characters are estranged siblings who have endured childhood abandonment only to face new challenges in adulthood: a widower (Dani Shteg) whose older son has just awakened from a lengthy coma; a radio producer (Elli Finish) and his terminally-ill Russian girlfriend (Ola Schor-Selektar); and a travel agent (Assi Levi) whose daughter was killed in an army accident. These narrative strands and diverse personalities, co-mingled with countless others, initially seem unrelated but are gradually knitted together in a satisfying and emotional climax.

Directed by Shemi Zarhin (Aviva, My Love), THE WORLD IS FUNNY features vibrant cinematography, a noteworthy score by composer Jonathan Bar-Giora and stellar performances by an ensemble of Israel’s top actors.