New Film Explores Complex Life of Naomi Shemer

A new documentary, "Between Grass and Stone," by Shi Lahav and Ron Omer, delves into the multifaceted life of beloved Israeli songwriter Naomi Shemer, revealing a humorous and complex personality beyond her iconic works. The film, which includes interviews with friends like Rivka Michaeli and Shemer's daughter, Lali Shemer, showcases Shemer's wit and her own self-deprecating humor, with her reportedly saying, "The silly things make life."

Despite her public image, Shemer also grappled with significant personal struggles, including depression. The film touches upon instances where criticism deeply affected her, such as when critic Dan Miron dismissed her work as "sentimental and fake," or when Nahum Barnea wrote that he would cross the street to avoid her. Following Barnea's article, Shemer was reportedly unable to leave her bed for two weeks, facing the wall, as recounted by Michaeli.

"Between Grass and Stone" also addresses Shemer's controversial political views, particularly her staunch support for the Gush Emunim settlement movement and her defense of the lyrics in "Jerusalem of Gold" that referenced an empty marketplace. Shemer's daughter suggests that her mother's life might have been easier had she been capable of pretense. The film, however, largely avoids dwelling on controversies like the alleged plagiarism of "Jerusalem of Gold" from a Basque song.

The documentary presents a light, impressionistic portrait of Shemer, highlighting her contradictions and vibrant spirit. While some critics found it less emotionally resonant than Omer's previous film about his mother, Dvora Omer, the film is described as a "must-see," evoking a sense of longing for a great artist and a simpler, perhaps more naive, era in Israel. The film also notes the use of artificial intelligence in its production.