Shuli Rand Returns to Big Screen with New Film 'The Jester'

Actor and screenwriter Shuli Rand is making a comeback to the big screen with his new film, "The Jester" (HaBachtan), over two decades after the success of "Ushpizin." In "The Jester," Rand stars alongside his wife, Tzofit Grant. The film, directed by Gidi Dar, has already garnered international recognition, securing 12 nominations for the Ophir Awards, and is now being released to Israeli audiences.

The plot centers on Moshe, portrayed by Rand, a once-sought-after wedding entertainer in Jerusalem whose life has spiraled due to alcohol addiction, leaving him in financial hardship. The story takes a turn when his 31-year-old daughter finds a potential match, presenting Moshe with the challenge of raising $20,000 for her wedding. An opportunity arises when a wealthy childhood friend returns to Israel for his son's lavish wedding, but he also brings a successful young American entertainer, threatening Moshe's chance to reclaim his former glory. The narrative weaves together humor, professional rivalry, family dynamics, and a quest for redemption.

The cast also includes Tal Friedman, American comedian Elon Gold, Malki Goldman, Eli Gorenstein, and Arieh Cherner. "The Jester" marks another collaboration between Rand and director Gidi Dar, who previously worked together on "Ushpizin" in 2004. Both films explore the world of the Haredi community, blending tradition, humor, and human stories. Rand also penned the screenplay for "The Jester."

"The Jester" premiered globally at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York in June and later won the Audience Award for Narrative Feature at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. In Israel, it received 12 Ophir Award nominations, including Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay. Rand and Grant, who play a married couple in the film, shared that their joint work "only does good for the relationship," with Grant adding, "It's amazing. It mainly makes you not want to act with anyone else afterward."

While the film has achieved artistic success, its financial prospects are also under consideration. The article notes that a film selling 100,000 tickets at an average price of 50 shekels generates approximately 5 million shekels in box office revenue. Reaching 200,000 viewers could yield 10 million shekels. However, these figures are reduced by taxes, cinema and distributor shares, and production and marketing costs. Specific financial details for "The Jester," such as its budget or earnings, have not been released, making it premature to assess its economic success.

The film, with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes, features dialogue in Hebrew and Yiddish. It has been screened at festivals and previews in Israel and is now available for wider release at cinema chains like HOT CINEMA, Cinema City, and Planet. Ticket prices range from approximately 49 to 55 shekels, depending on the venue and purchase method. The film is rated as suitable for all ages.